Increase SBC-wide annual giving in succes

>> by Stephen Rummage

SENIOR PASTOR, OKC, QUAIL SPRINGS Years ago, God put questions on my heart that changed my prayer life.

First, I asked myself, “What would happen if I prayed more and did other things less?” What if I prayed more and slept less, checked the news less or watched television less? Today, I might also ask: “What if I prayed more and followed social media less?”

Next, I considered: “Is there any area of my life that would su er if I prayed more?” Would more prayer make me less loving a husband and dad, less e ective a preacher or less wise a leader? Naturally, the answer to each of those questions was “no.” Greater prayer would only strengthen my life.

So that day, I prayed, “Lord, make me a man of prayer. Teach me to live in an atmosphere of prayer.” From that day until now, God has transformed the way I pray.

I have found three simple keys for greater prayer in the words of Jesus in Luke 11:9: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will  nd; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Consider how each command speaks to your prayer life. Asking means praying with expectancy. In Luke 11:11-13, Jesus compared prayer to a child asking a father for food. If a youngster asks his father for a piece of  sh or for a pickled egg, dad might say, “No, you’ll spoil your dinner.” Or, “Wouldn’t you rather have a chocolate chip cookie?” Only a vicious father would hand his son a snake or a scorpion to eat instead. A parent may say, “yes,” “no” or “I’ve got something better for you.” But no caring parent would meet a child’s request with something deliberately harmful.

Similarly, you can pray expecting God to answer, trusting His answer to be good. Sometimes, God answers, “no.” Hearing “no” from God can sting. But I’d rather have God’s “no” than anybody else’s “yes,” because it’s ultimately a positive answer.

Seeking means praying with e ort. Seeking involves searching and surrendering. Jesus used the same word command in Matt. 6:33: “Seek  rst the kingdom of God.” When you pray, seeking means asking, “God, what can I do to be part of your answer to my prayer?”

When he was 7 or 8, our son asked for a toy action  gure. I promised Joshua we’d buy the toy the next time he saw it. From that moment, he hunted for that toy in nearly every store we visited.

But as Joshua was seeking, I noticed certain store aisles he wouldn’t go down. He called them the “pink aisles.” Barbies, baby dolls and other items for little girls were on display. He steered clear. Teasingly, I asked him, “What if your toy has accidentally been placed on one of the pink aisles? Don’t you want to check?” He wouldn’t budge.

We sometimes do the same thing spiritually. We pray God shows us an aisle of surrender to go down, and we won’t budge. We ask, “God, heal my marriage,” but we won’t forgive our spouse. We ask, “God, help my  nances,” but we won’t give obediently. Or, we ask, “God, save the lost,” yet we won’t share the Gospel. Until we come to the point of surrender, we are not really seeking.

Knocking means praying with endurance. Jesus’ commands move from simple asking, to more intense seeking, to even bolder knocking. The action of knocking communicates the persistence with which God desires us to pray. We may be tempted by our  esh or by Satan to give up and stop praying, but Jesus commands us to continue, even when God’s answer seems delayed. Enduring prayer can be compared to a grandfather who whispered to his granddaughter, “I’ve got a quarter hidden in one of my hands. Find it, and you can have it.” His hands were in front of him, clenched tightly. With great e ort, the little girl began to pry open his hands,  nger by  nger, until  nally, she discovered the quarter.

If he was going to give her the coin, why did he make her go through all that trouble? Well, maybe he enjoyed the fun of playing a game with her. Or perhaps he thought her e ort would make her appreciate his gift more. Neither of those answers gets at his deepest reason, though. He hid the coin and revealed it slowly because he wanted his granddaughter to stay close, holding his hands.

For God’s power to  ow through our ministries, families, and lives, pastors and our churches must learn to live with our hands in God’s hand. When Jesus commands us to keep asking, seeking, and knocking, he’s working to keep us close to the Father. He’s making us people of prayer. Becoming a person of prayer /// PREVIEWED ON COVER C L A S S I F I E D S V O I C E S W O R D S L I N G E R S D A V E S A Y S

R E S O U R C E H I G H L I G H T O K L A H O M A B A P T I S T S

SOUTH E R N BAP TIST SEMINARY LIST OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS

ADVANCED MEN’S MINISTRY TRAINING OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ MEN’S MINISTRY

Are you considering attending seminary, either online or on campus? Find a complete list of Southern Baptist seminaries below: This curriculum is a process driven men’s ministry model that equips men to reach and disciple men through the local church. Find out more below:

N E W S & C U L T U R E W O R D S L I N G E R S

D A V E S A Y S HOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR CHURCH (IN A GOOD WAY) >> RYAN SMITH

R E S O U R C E H I G H L I G H T O K L A H O M A B A P T I S T S What do people do without a church family? I often ask myself this question as I see the church surround those going through life transitions. As new babies arrive, physical needs arise, or seasons of loss weave in and out of church members’ lives, it astonishes me to see how the local body of believers moves to support, assist and surround those members in their time of need.

The church does not exist solely to meet our own needs, but the Bible is clear that many spiritual, physical and emotional needs are to be met as the body of Christ cares for its members.

Yet even those connected to a church family may miss out on what God has ordained in providing the local church. For many, the church is a place to consume. Sundays o er a place to take the kids, get free co ee, and take in some songs and a message. Entertainment value may  uctuate, but all in all, it’s not bad for free.

The church is an easy place to be a consumer, but that is not what the church is intended to be. When care, correction and companionship are needed on the road of the Christian life, the local church is the God-given, Biblical prescription.

W O R D S L I N G E R S To read the rest of Ryan’s blog visit, baptistmessenger.com/take-advantage To read more blogs with Jesus in mind, visit www.baptistmessenger.com/blog

D A V E S A Y SS

R E S O U R C E H I G H L I G H T O K L A H O M A B A P T I S T S INCREASE LIFE INSURANCE?

Dear Dave, My husband and I are on Baby Step 3b, and we’re saving for a house. We’re out of debt and both of us make good money, plus we each have 20-year level term life insurance policies with coverage equaling 10 times our individual incomes. We also have an emergency fund equal to six months of expenses. I recently received a promotion at work, with a subsequent raise of $10,000. Should I update my life insurance policy to re ect this new income? —Maria

Dear Maria, I think you’re OK right now. I’d evaluate it, and maybe update the amount every three or four years. But as you get out of debt and build wealth, and as the kids get older, the real question to ask yourselves is how much less life insurance do you need?

As your income increases and you get in better and better  - nancial shape, it’s not going to be necessary to have 10 to 12 times your income wrapped up in life insurance policies. That’s just a starting point.

Would your husband and any kids be well taken care of based on your current life insurance amount? Would you and any kids be okay based on his life insurance? If the answer to both questions is yes, you’re good! —Dave

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EMPLOYMENT

>> BI/VO OR INTERIM PASTOR: FBC Bluejacket, OK is searching for BI/VO Pastor or Interim Pastor. Parsonage is available. Please send resume to: FBC Bluejacket, P. O. Box 120 Bluejacket, OK 74333 or email barnett1946@yahoo. com.

>> P/T OR BI/VO STUDENT PASTOR: Faith Baptist Church of Harrah. Please email resumes to: Dr. Dan Campbell at FBCBRODAN@GMAIL.COM.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Sperry, OK is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Please email resume to: robland@peoplepc.com or mail to: FBC Search Committee P.O. Box 907 Sperry, OK 74073.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Bowlegs OK is seeking a Lead Pastor/Elder. No parsonage. Send Resume & letter explain ing your conversion & goals to: FBC Bowlegs, P.O. Box 145, Bowlegs, OK 74830 or rwtroglin@gmail.com.

>> P/T STUDENT PASTOR: One Church Elk City is prayerfully seeking someone to lead & direct an established youth ministry. Send resumes to: onechurchelkcity@ gmail.com.

>> F/T PASTOR: First Baptist Church of Jasper, AR, is seeking a F/T Pastor. Please send resumes to: P. O. Box 407, Jasper, AR 72641 or email to: fbcjasper2@gmail.com.

>> BI/VO WORSHIP MINISTER: Accepting Resumes for BI/VO Worship Minister for blended service. Send to: fbccomanche@gmail.com or FBC Music Search Team, 315 Oak Main Comanche, OK 73529.

>> F/T PASTOR: Hilltop Country Church, Morrison, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Send cover letter, resume, brief statement of call to ministry, 2 video/audio sermons (as email attachments/hyperlinks) to: Hilltop Country Church, P.O. Box 136, Morrison, OK 73061 or email to: burton@htopc.org.

>> F/T PASTOR: Eastside Baptist Church is seeking a F/T Pastor. Please send resumes to: Eastside Baptist Church 1120 Ida Ave, Sallisaw, OK. 74955, Attention: Pastor Search Committee.

>> F/T DIRECTOR OF MISSIONS: South Central Associ

V O I C E S ation of Southern Baptists in Kansas is seeking a F/T Director of Missions. For more information, see: www.scasbks. com/adom_search. >> PIANIST/KEYBOARD PLAYER: Needing a piano or keyboard player to help us in worship services. We are a loving family of believers that enjoy music. Call (918) 605-9486.

>> F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: First Baptist Church Montague, TX is seeking a F/T or BI/VO Pastor. Email resume to: fbcmontague@gmail.com.

>> F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR: NewPoint Church, Ponca City, OK is a growing, new church seeking to hire a F/T Associate Pastor to oversee adult discipleship, such as small groups, pastoral care, Next Steps & Growth Track. Please send resumes to: kyle@newpoint.church.

>> YOUTH PASTOR: Spiro FBC is seeking a Youth Pastor. We are a loving church in rural community with great opportunity to reach youth! Competitive package, parsonage & good facilities. Send resume to: jamestsmith@live. com.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: Laverty Baptist Church is seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Email resumes to: lavertychurch@gmail.com or mail to: 2776 County Street 2760, Cement, OK 73017.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: Canaan Baptist Church is seeking a BI/VO Pastor to lead a small congregation. Interested can didates should send their resume to: Attn: Pastor Search Committee, Canaan Baptist Church, 17092 CS 2730 Minco, OK 73059 or email to: Eisenmangd@gmail.com.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: Buffalo Valley Baptist Church in Talihina, OK. is prayerfully seeking a Pastor. Parsonage available, utilities paid by church. Please send resumes to: 4152 S.E. Hwy 63, Talihina, OK. 74571 or email: bvbc4152@yahoo. com. fbcpsecretary@gmail.com. Mailing address is: FBC, Pastor Search Committee, 1500 Blue Bell Rd, Prague, OK 74864.

>> F/T OR P/T MUSIC MINISTER: Prague, FBC accepting resumes for Music Minister with possibility of other ministries such as education, visitation, etc. Email resumes to: fbcpsecretary@gmail.com. Mailing address is: FBC, Mu sic Minister Search Committee, 1500 Blue Bell Rd, Prague, OK 74864.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: After completing the SBC Transitional Pastor process, FBC Wellston, OK is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Send resume to: P.O. Box 106, Wellston, OK 74881 or email: FBCWellstonPastorSearch@gmail.com.

>> F/T PASTOR: First Baptist Church, Mannsville, OK is seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should mail resume with cover letter to: Charles Shockley, 12414 Sartin Rd., Madill, Oklahoma 73446.

>> BI/VO WORSHIP MINISTER: Calvary Baptist Church, Lawton is seeking BI/VO Worship Minister in leading in blended services. Pay is commensurate on experience. Send resume to: Personnel Committee Chairman, 715 SW H. Ave, Lawton, OK 73501.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: Bessie Baptist Mission, Bessie, OK is seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Please send resumes to: Bessie Baptist Mission, Attn: Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 92, Bessie, OK 73622

>> BI/VO OR P/T WORSHIP MINISTER: Seeking God’s candidate for our next BI/VO or P/T Worship Minister for blended services. The position involves planning & leading worship services, as well as working with choir, instrumentalists & media/technology. Candidate will work closely with the pastor & other staff members. Resumes, along with a cover letter, may be sent to: cbcbamusic@ gmail.com or Clearview Baptist Church, Attn: Music Search Committee, P.O. Box 140892, Broken Arrow, OK 74014.

>> F/T WORSHIP LEADER: FBC Canton seeking spiritually mature, F/T Worship Leader. Must have a heart for worship & for connecting with a strong, growing church. As a multi-generational church, we love contemporary worship music, but we also love a balance of traditional or hymn arrangements. Minimum 5 years full-time experience, music degree preferred. Please send resumes along with a video or link of you leading worship to: libby@first canton.com by April 10, 2020.

>> BI/VO WORSHIP LEADER & YOUTH PASTOR: Rimrock is growing! We are a thriving congregation on the western edge of Tulsa county, looking to fill two Bi/ VO staff positions: Worship Leader for a blended service & Youth Pastor. Send resume to: jason@jasonkearney.net. Call (918) 809-2091 for more information or go to: www. rimrocktulsa.com.

>> F/T PASTOR: First Baptist Church of Cache, OK is seeking a F/T Pastor. Please send resume to: Office@fbccache. org or PO Box 437, Cache, OK 73527.

>> F/T STUDENT PASTOR: Student Pastor sought for FBC Carrizo Springs in south Texas. Send resumes to: jonathan@firstbaptistcarrizo.org.

>> BI/VO MUSIC MINISTER: Sharon Baptist Church, Chickasha, is prayerfully seeking God’s person for our Mu sic Minister. Send resume to: Sharon Baptist Church, 2414 State Highway 92, Chickasha, OK 73018.

>> F/T YOUTH MINSITER: View Acres Baptist Church, Tulsa, OK. Vibrant, multi-generational church in the West Tulsa area seeks F/T Youth Minister to lead growing student ministry. Send resume to: shannonfayebaker@gmail.com.

>> STUDENTS: Faith Baptist Church, 901 Faith Ln, Claremore, OK 74017, is seeking a F/T Minister of Students. The position offers a competitive salary, benefits & housing. Email resume: faith@claremorefaith.com.

>> MUSIC AND/OR CHILDREN’S MINISTER: FBC Minco is seeking leadership in these areas. We are a Spir it-led, Bible believing church seeking person/persons to fill either or both positions. If interested, email resume to mike@mincofbc.com.

>> F/T YOUTH MINISTER: Memorial Heights, Claremore, is prayerfully seeking the man called by God to serve as our F/T Youth Minister. Please send resumes to: memori alheights@sbcglobal.net, or to 1500 W. Will Rogers Blvd., Claremore, OK, Claremore, 74017.

>> F/T PASTOR: First Baptist, Poteau, OK, currently accepting resumes for a F/T Pastor. Must be able to interface with Hispanic Ministry. Southern Baptist Seminary pre ferred. Resumes should be emailed to: janie@fbcpoteau. com or mailed to: 300 N. Witte, Poteau, OK 74953.

>> F/T PASTOR: The FBC of Prague, Oklahoma is seeking resumes for the position of F/T Pastor. Email resumes to:

>> BI/VO PASTOR: Immanuel Baptist Church in Davis, OK. Please send resumes to: 903 E Ellis, Davis, OK. Phone (405) 238-0342 or email: normajgee123@gmail.com. Contact name: Norma Gee

>> BI/VO PASTOR: Lenapah Baptist Church is seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Please mail resumes to: Attention: Search Committee, P.O. Box 36 Lenapah, OK 74042 or email lenapahbc36@gmail.com.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: Calvary Baptist in Holdenville, OK is seeking a Pastor please send resume to: Search Commit tee, 622 S. Hinckley Holdenville, OK 74848. Or contact David Lowe at (405) 493-6060.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Wyandotte, OK is seeking is a Pastor for rural church. Parsonage available. Send resume to: wyandottefbc@gmail.com.

>> F/T STUDENT MINISTER: Leadership Team Opening. FBC Wagoner is accepting resumes for F/T Student Minister. Please send resume to: mark@fbcwagoner.com or mail to: FBC Search Team, 401 NE 2nd Street, Wagoner, OK 74467.

>> BI/VO YOUTH LEADER: Highland Park Baptist Church, Edmond is seeking a P/T Youth Leader to grow a vibrant youth ministry in our small, but dynamic, multi-cultural congregation. Send resumes to: 400 N. Blackwelder, Edmond, OK 73034 or hpbcpastor@att.net. Info: (405) 414-7282.

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ACROSS

1 Plan details, for short 6 “Yikes!” 10 Arabic alphabet start 14 Supple 15 He came to __ 16 False prophets __ as Messiah

C R O S S W O R D

17 Comics orphan 18 “Is a __ between me and death” (1 Sam. 20:3 niv) 19 His __ will have no end 20 Last Supper, e.g. 21 __ relief, sculptural feature 22 He would be __ from death 24 Donkey pull

26 Bethlehem in Jesus’ time, e.g. 27 Docked 30 Co ee 31 Annoyed 32 Not one of His __ would be broken 33 With Insp., a book section 36 Chili con __ 37 Pan go-with 38 “Like as corn is sifted in a __” (Amos 9:9) 40 In the manner of (Fr.) (2 words) 41 Twilights (poet.) 43 Land under Ahasuerus’s reign 44 Herb Pharisees would tithe 45 His arms would __ 4 Down 46 He would __ into heaven 49 Hourly pay 50 Spirit helps us __ in faith 51 Holy Innocent, e.g. 52 Chestnut horse 56 Riyadh dweller 57 Metric weight unit 59 Church feature 60 Mongolian desert 61 Halo 62 Actor’s parts 63 Smithsonian (Abbr.) 64 Ditch (var.) 65 Calvary sight

DOWN

1 Bang 2 Christmas tree 3 Bunsen burner 4 “Su er little __...to come unto me” (Matt. 19:14) 5 He would cause the blind to __ 6 Student’s paper 7 Pistols (slang) 8 “__ Maria” 9 Corrupt 10 Easter month, often 11 Plague pest 12 Small land mass 13 He would __ the hungry 21 He will judge good and __ 23 Gathering 25 He will be our __ 26 They will pierce His __ 27 Mineral group 28 Jesus’ teaching, e.g. 29 Summer veggie 30 We are “__-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17) 32 “ Fragrant __, the work of a perfumer” (Ex. 30:25 niv) 33 Start over 34 He would atone for __ 35 He would __ His sheep 39 “I am not...___ to the ‘super-apostles’” (2 Cor. 12:11 niv) 42 He would be given __ to drink 45 Jesus would __ with sinners 46 Rod of __, tabernacle item 47 Jesus’ side piercings, e.g. 48 Biblical measurement 49 He would be born of one 50 They would come to worship Him 51 KJV weed 53 Norwegian city 54 Beers 55 Loch __ monster 58 See 44 across 59 Rainbow shape