When God Intervenes

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Treasure ISSN# 8960038) Volume 11 • Number 1

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-chief 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 Marie Draculik, Pennsylvania April Tummins, Tennessee Katie Greenwood, Tennessee Dari Goodfellow, Arizona Tina Tolbert, Tennessee Paul and Frances Etterling, Ohio

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.

Studies January Grief to Gratitude February Heritage March Mistake

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Majesty

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Feature Articles Faithful Friends

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A Ticket For Fishin'

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Forever Changed

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Amy’s Tidbits Behind the Scenes Thirtysomethings Vision JAN-MAR 2022

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by Amy Johnson We’ve all been there…waiting for God to intervene. Maybe it’s a personal situation in your life. Perhaps it’s financial. Or a prodigal who needs to come home. Possibly healing for a physical ailment.

As I look back, there are many times in my life when God intervened. Sometimes it was quick and just what I needed at that exact moment. On other occasions I was unaware of my need, yet God knew and showed up before I even ask. Other times, I’ve waited and prayed and continue to do so.

In our Treasure studies this year, we will look at several women throughout Scripture whose life was changed when God intervened. Some of these women are named: Rahab, Mary Magdalene, Leah. Others are unnamed, but we know them—the woman caught in adultery, the Samaritan woman, or the lady with the issue of blood. Regardless of the details or lack thereof, the women we will study have one thing in common: their lives were changed because of God’s intervention.

As the New Year unfolds, are you needing His intervention? Are you looking for God to step in and take over? Is there a struggle in your life that only God knows, and you’re waiting for the day He intervenes? Do not lose hope, my friend. The Bible gives us many verses that provide strength—Scriptures that help us hold to the promise that He sees, He knows, and He cares. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

While you wait for God to move, continue to be in His Word, praying daily. Reach out to others as you work to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Find a prayer partner or a study buddy to bear your burden with you. Remember, sometimes our timing is not His timing, and that is the hardest part to accept. We must continue to hold fast to the faith, knowing He will provide. God will intervene.

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with Joy and Shane My primary means of outreach is teaching English. Our ministry center is in an immigrant neighborhood where we help meet the needs of the people around us. Learning English helps them get a better job; it helps their children be successful in life; and it helps them when they travel.

On Tuesdays, I leave my house around 1:30 p.m. and pick up one of our older students on my way to the center. From 2:00-4:00 p.m. I teach an intermediate English class. After class I clean the tables, then spend some time working at the welcome desk.

For the next two hours the center is open for anyone who wants more information about our classes and activities. During this time I also give English level placement tests to those who are interested. I email students who missed class and work on lesson plans.

Around 5:45 p.m. students start arriving for the evening classes.

My beginner class lasts from 6:00-8:00 p.m. It has been great getting to know them and seeing their progress!

After class I clean the tables and go home. We eat dinner late but that is customary here.

This is my daily routine Monday through Thursday each week. One Saturday morning a month I help with Story Hour for elementary kids.

Because of the laws here, I am prevented from basing lessons on the Word, but I can share what I believe and know to be true when my students ask or when it comes up in conversation. We are planting seeds of Truth both in and out of the classroom and asking the Father to give the growth.

About the Writer: Joy and Shane have worked with The Hanna Project and their affiliates for more than 15 years. Joy enjoys reading, chocolate, and watching Hallmark Christmas movies year-round.

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OCTOBER STUDY

Working Through the Pain The book of Ruth begins in the Judahite village of Bethlehem where a famine has come.

Apprehensive about the threat of starvation, a man named Elimelech leads his wife Naomi and their two sons Mahlon and Chilion to the country of Moab.

With hopes of prosperity and the escape of impending devastation, the family says good-bye to their friends, their family, and the life they know. Even as she experiences the hardships and fears of relocating, Naomi’s heart is full—she has her family with her (Ruth 1:21).

They prospered for a time in Moab. Then Naomi’s husband died and she was left alone with two sons to raise. Eventually, her sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. For ten years they enjoyed the love and companionship of family.

Then Mahlon and Chilion also died.

Once Moab seemed to be the land that would shield Naomi’s family from grief and loss. Now with the death of her husband and sons, Naomi was destitute and isolated. (Please note the lesson at this juncture in the story: running away from a criJAN-MAR 2022

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sis or changing locations may not be God’s will and may not necessarily guarantee security from future catastrophes.)

Application: Being still. Are you in a situation where you want to run away for fear of the future? Name your fear, then look at God's promises in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. Ask for God’s timing and leading. As you make decisions in faith, determine in your heart to say, “Be still and know” that He is God (Psalm 46:10).

After their husbands died, Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah were all that remained of the family. No children, no grandchildren. Fortunately, young widows like Ruth and Orpah were allowed to return to their fathers’ homes for provision and the opportunity to marry again and have children. But for older widows like Naomi, they were dependent upon their children for support. Naomi had no husband or children. She lost her joy when she lost those dearest to her. No amount of physical provision in Moab could furnish a balm for her broken heart. Though in a land of plenty, Naomi was empty (Ruth 1:21).

Application: Being filled. Has a broken heart left you feeling hollow? Regardless of prosperity or poverty, sadness is an inescapable part of the human experience. In Psalm 63, David says his soul thirsted for God “in a dry and thirsty land where no water is.” According to verses 3-5, what satisfied his soul? When we focus on praising God and giving Him thanks, our souls are filled with His peace and joy.

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JANUARY STUDY Coming to grips with her new reality, Naomi arose and set out for Bethlehem. Her two daughters-in-law begged to go with her. But Naomi, believing their lives would be better by staying, bid them to return to their mothers’ houses (Ruth 1:8). Orpah refused at first, but finally gave in to Naomi’s pleas and went home. Ruth was more determined to stay with Naomi, declaring, “where you lodge, I will lodge, your people shall be my people, and your God will be my God, where you die I will die, and there will I be buried” (Ruth 1:16-17).

Ruth, too, lost the one dearest to her heart. She and Naomi were both grieving and found comfort in each other’s consistent presence.

Naomi and Ruth journeyed back to Bethlehem. Naomi carried the hope of a kinsman redeemer. Mosaic law expected a male relative to rescue (“redeem”) a kinsman in need. In this case, he would marry the deceased’s widow, inherit his estate, and preserve his name.

Naomi had accused God of bringing her back to Bethlehem empty, yet God had given her Ruth—a devoted daughter-inlaw. By focusing on the negative, Naomi became so bitter she failed to see the good and positive ways in which God was working. (When we are hurting, we, too, can be blind to the goodness of God—wishing away our lives and asking God to give back what He took away.)

Application: Living in the present. Are you longing for things to be as they once were? Read Ecclesiastes 7:10 and Isaiah 43:19. What wisdom and hope can we garner from these verses? Hebrews 13:8 tells us God remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. Think about how this truth can comfort us.

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To provide food for herself and Naomi, Ruth immediately set out to glean the edges of a Bethlehem field. The Levitical law allowed widows, the poor, and foreigners to do this without penalty (Leviticus 19:9; 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:19).

That is where Ruth was gleaning—with the poor and destitute and dependent on the generosity of a stranger. Ruth was not only poor, but she was a woman; she was a widow who was childless. And worse, she was a foreigner. In that culture, these identifiers made her a nobody.

Even in her lowly state, Ruth was grateful for the gracious provision of a field where she could support herself and her mother-in-law. (In our grief, God gives us strength for living.

He gives us a place, a purpose, and provision. Philippians 4:19 says, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”)

Unwittingly, Ruth happened

to be gleaning in the very field that belonged to Naomi’s close relative, Boaz. Naomi’s hope was that he would be their kinsman redeemer. Boaz noticed Ruth one day and asked his servant who she was. He explained she was Naomi’s daughter-inlaw who had worked tirelessly to glean all she could to provide for herself and Naomi.

Hearing of Ruth’s faithfulness and character, Boaz showed her great favor and generosity by encouraging her to remain only in his fields, gathering directly behind the reapers so she could collect an ample supply each day. He even instructed his servants to purposefully drop stalks of grain for Ruth. Boaz also told her to drink from his vessels when she was thirsty and to eat of his bread when she was hungry. Because of Ruth’s faithful, selfless, and determined character, she had found favor in the eyes of Boaz and in the eyes of those around her.

Application: Being faithful in the field. How has God proven faithful to you as you’ve worked in pain? Ruth had to be faithful in the field to receive the great blessing God had in store. Learn this lesson from Ruth—keep going.

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JANUARY STUDY Ruth serves as a model for womanhood. In her gleaning, Ruth found grace. Through her diligence, she found favor. And that favor led to great blessing.

Ruth did not complain about her plight nor did she trumpet her good works. She conducted herself with humility, gratitude, dignity, and a great work ethic.

All these brought her favor.

“God works through a woman who moves forward even in

the midst of tragedy and trial, actively seizing every opportunity God provides rather than waiting passively for events to happen” (Guideposts Study Guide). Even when we are crushed in spirit, we can give thanks and be grateful for the provisions God has given us.

First Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Application: Receiving grace. What does God promise in 2 Chronicles 26:5 and 1 Samuel 26:23a.We must be willing to humble ourselves in any situation, asking God to strengthen our arms for the spiritual, emotional, and physical tasks at hand. Read Proverbs 31: 17.

Naomi was taken aback when she saw how much grain Ruth brought home. She asked in whose field Ruth had been working. When Ruth shared the details about Boaz and the favor he had shown her, Naomi blessed God and declared that

it was His faithful and loving provision and kindness that had orchestrated Ruth’s presence in Boaz’s field. God’s obvious blesssing strengthened Naomi’s faith and caused her once empty heart to overflow with gratitude!

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Sensing the mutual, genuine attraction and favor Boaz felt toward Ruth, Naomi wisely advised her to go to Boaz, and when he fell asleep, to lie down at his feet. Ruth did as she was told and when Boaz awakened, he was startled to see her there.

Delicately, Ruth stated her simple yet straightforward plea, “I am Ruth, your maidservant. Take

your maidservant under your wing, for you are a close relative” (Ruth 3:9) NKJV. She was asking him to be the kinsman redeemer.

Overjoyed by her request, Boaz declared her to be a most kind and virtuous woman. Boaz redeemed Elimelech’s estate and married Ruth. They had a son aptly named Obed, meaning “servant of God” or “worshipper.”

Application: Asking big. What does Hebrews 4:16 say about the manner in which we should approach the Lord with our needs? He loves us and wants to lavishly bless us. Speak the promises of God with faith and boldness in each area of your life.

“God uses the faithfulness of ordinary women to accomplish His extraordinary plans: He provided bread for two widows through Ruth’s gleaning: He provided security for the young widow Ruth through her marriage to Boaz, He provided posterity for Naomi through Obed, the son born to Ruth and Boaz; God provided King David for Israel, even the Messiah through this gentle woman” (Guideposts Study Bible for Women).

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From this poignant story, we’ve learned pain is unavoidable. We cannot run from the realities of grief—an experience we all endure. Even in the midst of our suffering, the best way to protect our hearts is not by running away from our grief but by relying on the Lord to give us strength, joy, and peace. While in our pain, we can give thanks, trusting always in His providence and provision because He is faithful.

JANUARY STUDY When we follow Christ, grief is never the final destination nor is it experienced in a vacuum.

The way we journey through life impacts everyone around us in ways we cannot fathom, even affecting those in generations to come.

Sometimes, we ask God to give back what has been taken from us. In his book The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, C.S. Lewis penned this quote spoken by Prince Caspian, “I spent too long wanting what

was taken from me and not what was given. I was given a kingdom, a people.” God did not give back what was taken from Naomi and Ruth, but what He gave instead brought about great joy and expressions of gratitude not only to their immediate family, but also to all the world through their lineage.

Eternal hope and redemption for all humanity was brought about by the ultimate Kinsman Redeemer Jesus Christ, whose reign and kingdom shall never end (Luke 1:33)!

Application: Holding on. According to Isaiah 40:31 and Isaiah 61:1-3, what does God promise to give those who are sad and weak? Whenever you are grieving, you can take comfort that God not only sees you in your grief, but He also leads you to a place of goodness and blessing. We claim the promise, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).

About the Writer: April Tummins lives in Dickson, Tennessee with her husband Philip and two sons Grant and Oliver. She serves as the worship leader and as a Sunday School teacher at United Free Will Baptist Church. Professionally, she enjoys serving others in a local hospice organization.

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Faithful Friends Ruth told Naomi, “Do not urge me to leave you...

For where you go I will go….”

(Ruth 1:16) ESV The day I dreaded finally came. For months prior, every funeral viewing left me with a feeling of foreboding. It was surreal to comfort someone in their loss when I knew my own loss was approaching, to walk so closely with the dying. Though I prayed for a miracle on Earth, the moment inevitably arrived. My son died, and the funeral viewing took place. I feared what I would see behind those closed doors—a reality I didn’t want to accept.

The sight of my son in a casket was truly awful. The pain tore through my body until I felt as though I could barely stand. Forcibly, I moved away to look at the many pictures of his smiling face placed throughout the room. I wanted to remember him, not in death, but as I knew he was now—completely healed, full of life and joy eternal.

I worried mental images from that day would haunt me in the weeks and months to come. Although the tragic details and feelings of loss have stayed with me, they haven’t left me despairing.

For in those dark hours, I also remember the loving presence of three faithful friends.

During the months that Austin spent in hospice care, I contacted three friends individually to ask that they stand by my side at the viewing. I feared well-intentioned but insensitive remarks, and my inability to withstand the heartbreak they would bring. And stand by me they did! They rearranged schedules, temporarily set aside their families’ needs, and stepped out of comfort zones to be with me. From the moment the first person offered condolences until the last people passed through the line, my friends remained. Every time I turned around, those three faces were nearby. They brought me tissues and snuck me Diet Coke. They ministered through reassurances and traffic patrol. They cried and laughed with me, and when there were no words, they were quiet.

Most importantly, they offered their unwavering presence. Like 14 treasure

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Job’s friends who loved him best in those first days by sitting silently with him in his pain (Job 2:13), and Ruth’s courageous loyalty to Naomi even in the face of her own grief (Ruth 1:16), my three friends remained. I doubt they will ever know how much their presence meant to me then and now. On one of the worst days of my life, I felt God’s grace holding me up through the kindness of others.

“She said to them, ‘Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty.’” (Ruth 1:20-21) ESV Naomi means “sweetness,” but she changed her name to Mara (a derivative of my name), which means “bitter.” However, Naomi and I not only share a namesake, we have both known the stinging pain of loss and feeling abandoned by God. If the similarities ended there, we would be pitied indeed. Yet, we also had the great privilege of sharing in the extravagant grace and merciful comfort of God. Did Naomi realize the gifts of grace and steadfast love God gave her? I know I am not always aware of these gifts in my own life. But God did bless Naomi. He extended His kindness when He gave her a faithful companion and daughter in Ruth. Later, He grew her family and filled her empty arms once again.

God didn’t give Naomi these gifts because she deserved them or because He felt sorry for her. God gave because He is kind and good. He didn’t ‘replace’ what she had lost. Grief doesn’t so easily leave our side. In the time of her greatest affliction, He comforted Naomi with family and provision and belonging. His love poured out on Naomi not because of who she was, but because of who He is. On Mount Sinai the Lord described Himself to Moses as “God [who is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). He was this God to Naomi, and He has been this same God to me.

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looked like faithful friends.

“Now let your unfailing love comfort me . . .

Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live.”

(Psalm 119:76-77) NLT About the Writer: Marie Drakulic lives with her family in Erie, Pa where they serve at Flagship Free Will Baptist Church. She is happy to surround herself with coffee, books, and the beach in any season. Marie wants to thank all those who have prayed and supported her family during Austin’s illness and those who continue to uphold them in prayer as they journey and grow through grief. Marie is working on a master’s in counseling so she can be better equipped to come alongside others who are hurting.

This in-person regional conference brings women together around relevant topics to help them live victorious, faithful lives If you registered for Flourish 2019, you are registered for this event. Contact the office at 615-760-6150 or 800-7677662 or email phyllis@nafwb.org to verify your attendance.

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FEBRUARY STUDY

H ERITAGE HONOR T

Five-year-old Timmy comes running through the door.

“Granny Lois, Granny Lois, where are you??!!?” The best part of Timmy’s day is about to begin as ‘Granny Lois’ gathers him up for a talk. Her talks are the best! She tells about the olden days and a man named Abraham. Stories containing a giant and a boy king. A ginormous fish that swallows a man! And Noah’s humongous boat that saved his family. Timmy also loves to hear about the God Who can do anything yet He loves little boys like him. Oh, how Timmy loves Granny Lois’ stories!

In Old Testament times education began in the home and parents were the first teachers. God expressed his expectation to Abraham in Genesis 18:19: “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD…” The “way of the Lord” refers to knowing the will of God and JAN-MAR 2022

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obeying it as revealed. It was first and foremost a spiritual heritage. The people of Israel were to pass along to the next generation their values, traditions, and culture, and most importantly, their strong belief in the Almighty God. Several years after Abraham, Moses instructed the people how to teach their children.

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Learning about God was to flow naturally from day-to-day activities.

A mentoring relationship was the focus of Jewish home schooling. The children learned by repetition as they observed their parents’ lives, conversed

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frequently about God and holy living, and repeatedly heard the recounting of the Bible’s historical dramas.

In the New Testament, (where we find Lois and Eunice), religious educational practices continued to follow that of the Old Testament. The family remained the primary source of education.

Undoubtedly, ‘Granny Lois’ own mother was diligent in sharing the stories and truths of the Old Testament Scriptures, as evidenced by Lois’ active participation in Timothy’s life. Lois had consistently trained her own daughter, Eunice, in the “way of the Lord” and together they had instilled an active faith in Timothy. “From childhood you (Timothy) have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14-15).

Find several Old Testament Scriptures confirming the admonition that parents are to teach the younger ones. What evidence is there that Jacob and Esau knew the “way of the Lord”? Explain how Joseph lived the “way of the Lord.”

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FEBRUARY STUDY

Paul met Lois and Eunice when he traveled through Lystra on one of his missionary journeys. These Jewish ladies had married Greek men. The husbands had no role in the Biblical account so we assume they were dead. Maybe this was when ‘Granny Lois’ moved in with Eunice or lived nearby.

They exemplified an intergenerational family raising a little boy together.

Both women were committed to teaching Timothy the truth of God. So well learned was he, that Paul mentions these two women in his second letter to Timothy. “For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well” (2 Timothy 1:5).

Children learn from what you live. Maybe this was their motto. Lystra was a pagan town and, outside his home, Timothy was surrounded by a world of sin. Lois and Eunice had a divine and scared duty to hand down their spiritual heritage, heeding the Old Testament teaching: “…we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done”

(Psalm 78:4). They intentionally lived holy and blameless lives before Timothy. God had said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deut. 6:5). As young girls, Eunice and Lois had learned this command from their mothers.

Now they were sharing these important words with Timothy.

“And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house” (Deut.

6:7a). ‘Granny Lois’ wove these words into her talks with her grandson. At each meal, Eunice prayed these words as she asked God to bless their food. “And when thou walkest by the way…” (Deut. 6:7c). On their walks, Creation’s wonders impressed God’s power on this little boy. “And when thou liest down and when thou risest up” (Deut. 6:7d). As Timothy went to sleep, these women prayed God’s words over him and each morning he was greeted with a praise from the Psalms. “In the same way, let your light shine before others…” (Matt. 5:16) ESV. They lived what they loved and their spiritual example impacted Timothy eternally.

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NOVEMBER STUDY

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What biblical accounts exemplify parents teaching children?

Find Abraham’s example in Genesis 22. What was Noah’s lesson to his sons in Genesis 6-8? List some others.

Paul saw in Timothy’s life the beautiful reality of the faithful teaching of “the way of the Lord” in Timothy’s home. The spiritual heritage that Lois and Eunice passed on to Timothy was built on “God-breathed” Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16). They believed what Jesus said—man shall live “by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4b). And because they lived what they loved, “out of the abundance of the heart,” their mouths spoke (Matt 12:34). With God’s help, Timothy was their great success, as evidenced by Paul’s words: “…I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord…” (1 Cor. 4:17) and “…Timothy, my own son in the faith…” (1 Timothy 1:2).

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what we know and what we live, specifically with our own tribe.

Our living example is the primary channel of training.

Our children are constantly watching, so let us live a life of righteousness before them.

I witnessed my own parents reading the Bible and praying.

They were faithful, committed tithers and generous givers to God’s work. Attending church was non-negotiable. Their spiritual habits impacted my life and became my spiritual heritage.

Teach through prayer. Teach your young peeps that praying is simply talking to God and sharing with Him, then pray with them.

Pray for them. Pray for yourself as you interact with them.

Present Jesus in an appealing way. Verbally give God credit when appropriate. Talk about your experiences with God. Share a prayer request when

FEBRUARY STUDY God answered in an unusual way.

Give biblically-focused gifts— Christian fiction, Christian artwork for bedrooms, an age-appropriate devotional book, etc.

For my yearly Bible reading, I buy a Bible with room for notes.

All year long, I mark it, write notes about what Scripture is saying, and personalize it for my next graduating grandchild.

Our own Randall House offers specifically designed curriculum from Deuteronomy 6.

Their website describes it: “D6 EveryDay Curriculum aligns small group environments at church so the entire family (elementary-adult) is studying the same theme at the same time.

The cool thing is, it doesn’t stop at the church worship experi-

ence. This one-of-a-kind discipleship curriculum goes beyond the small group experience and helps parents and grandparents reconnect with kids and teens through the use of devotional study guides, “Splink,” “Parent Pages,” and other take-home resources that help equip the home.

D6 EveryDay brings a higher level of Bible engagement, laying a foundation of ‘why’ and then teaching the ‘what’ and ‘how.’ Deuteronomy 6:47, Psalm 78:6, and Ephesians 4—6 remind us of the power of church and home working together for all generations.

Ministry to the next generation involves intentional effort from the current generation; D6 EveryDay makes that mission a lot easier.”

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Do you use the D6 EveryDay curriculum? Share how its lessons have affected your family. Give other examples of how to pass along our spiritual heritage.

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Remember the words of Moses in Deut. 6:7, “…talk of them when thou sittest in thine house…” Sitting around the dinner table, our family has intentional conversations meant to draw out the thoughts and ideas of the younger ones.

“What did you do after that boy pushed you down…what should you have done?” “So, your best friend dumped you…how will you respond?” “Tell me about your Sunday School lesson.” As a family, share a Bible story, and ask your child to apply it to his life. Promote questions and discussions that give opportunity for exploring spiritual truths.

Moses also said, “…when thou walkest by the way…” Walking is a trendy activity these days.

Walk with your little people and explore the wonders of God’s creation. Use a magnifying glass to examine nature’s minutiae.

“When thou liest down…”

Bedtime is the perfect time to speak spiritual truths into your littles’ lives. Tell a Bible story or read verses from an age-appropriate Bible, then discuss it.

For your teenagers, encourage them to read their Bibles and to ask questions. Always pray with your children before they go to sleep.

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“When thou risest up…”

Mornings can easily become the worst part of a child’s day, so determine to ‘live’ the spiritual truths by greeting your clan with joy and affection. Pray before meals, asking God to bless them as they meet the day. Driving to school, share verses to form positive attitudes: “Do everything with love” (I Cor. 16:14) NIV. “…

Be ye kind one to another…”

(Eph. 4:32a). “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13) ESV. Every day experiences will become part of our legacy as we pass along our spiritual heritage. What are practical ways to connect with our children/ grandchildren, thus opening the door for sharing spiritual truths?

Speaking from my own experiences with my grandchildren, here are some suggestions: 1) Spend time with them. We attend movies and local theater productions, go to the park or paint a project at home, or simply watch a Disney movie cuddling on the couch.

2) Send surprise packages to your out-of-town kiddos. This is a big favorite. I shopped at Dollar Tree.

FEBRUARY STUDY 3) Write them a note and put a piece of gum inside or a $1 bill. I send Starbucks gift cards to my four college-aged grands.

4) Take them on a date, singly. Bond with each child one-on-one.

There are numerous ways to impact children and grandchildren.

Be creative and implement ideas fitting your own spiritual story as together we obey God’s command: “…train up a child in the way he should go…” (Prov. 22:6).

The best way to establish a connection is interaction and relating to our children/grandchildren. Our living example is the primary means of teaching them “the ways of the Lord.” Lois and Eunice were intentional in their teaching to Timothy and their contributions were life-changing. They had no idea their half-Jew, half-Greek, fatherless, little boy would one day be a co-worker of the legendary Apostle Paul. Lois and Eunice were ordinary women, in an ordinary situation, and in an ordinary way, they faithfully discipled an extraordinary servant of God. May we strive to leave a legacy as positive and as powerful as the one left by Lois and Eunice.

APPLI CATION :

Read the song lyrics of “Find Us Faithful” by Jon Mohr. What story is your life writing? What will your children and grands say about you after you are gone? What kind of legacy are you leaving?

Give practical examples of how you are honoring your heritage by passing it to the next generations.

ABOUT THE WRITER: Dari Goodfellow lives in Gilbert, Arizona, where she and her husband share a home with their daughters’ family, including four grandchildren. She is happily privileged to love and connect with them on a daily basis.

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A Ticket for Fishin' Teaching preschoolers provides a unique perspective God often uses to get me thinking about His Word. One particular week of teaching about Peter, Andrew, James, and John still provides insight I often need to be reminded of.

“They were some of Jesus’ first disciples,” I said. “Do you remember what a disciple is?” I had spent a good bit of time talking about disciples choosing to follow Jesus and learn from Him about God and His Word. It was encouraging to see several kids eager to share an answer. I chose Luke because he was about to explode with pride over knowing the answer.

“They’re the guys who had a ticket to go fishin’ with Jesus on His boat.”

Not wanting to discourage future attempts to answer, I quickly processed how to diplomatically respond and correct his theology.

Ultimately, I realized Luke wasn’t too far off base. Knowing the Lord and choosing Him as Savior certainly provides the connection (ticket) needed to hang out with Him on His “boat.” Fishing represented typical daily activities for the men of that town during that time in History. Being a disciple of Jesus and choosing to follow Him definitely requires doing normal daily activities with Him. As the day progressed and long after the kids were picked up from class, I found myself thinking about Luke’s response. I was struck by the many times I missed the boat because I mistakenly assumed it was best to wait until Sunday, a certain conference, or a Lifegroup gathering to focus on discipleship.

When our Lord encouraged the men to follow Him that day, He was not referring to a short jaunt across the lake or even a full day of casting nets. Jesus was calling them to make a life-long, every26 treasure

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day commitment to Him. When asked to describe disciples, little Luke could have said: • “They are the workers at the bank who count the money—with Jesus.”

• “They are the farmers who grow vegetables —with Jesus.”

• “They are the mommies who take kids to soccer practice —with Jesus.”

• “They are the teenagers who play in the band —with Jesus.”

• “They are the neighbors who help pick up trash —with Jesus.”

• “They are the dads who read the same book a million times —with Jesus.”

• “They are the kids who choose to be kind at the park —with Jesus.”

Discipleship means doing life WITH JESUS every moment of every day. It means there’s no expiration date on your ticket and no limit to how many times you can fish on His boat.

D6 EveryDay Curriculum is designed to encourage daily discipleship for individuals of all ages and provides tools for families to engage in discipleship together throughout the week. This new curriculum encourages Bible engagement and emphasizes biblical literacy and apologetics. For more information, check out www.

D6EveryDay.com.

About the Writer: Katie Greenwood is the Curriculum Director at Randall House and D6. She has served in local church ministry for more than three decades and has a passion for inspiring godly marriages and encouraging parents as the spiritual leaders in their homes. Katie has been married to her best friend, Steve, for thirty years (as of June 2021) and enjoys serving God's Church with him and their three adult daughters. She is also quite fond of her grandpup, Bentley.

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thirtysomethings

by Sarah Sargent

Christmas challenge…

I know you are familiar with the Christmas story. Let’s take a closer look and see how we can make it an active part of our holiday season. My prayer is that it will draw you closer to God, and you decide to make it a new Christmas tradition.

Elizabeth encourages Mary (Luke 1:41-45). Mary was undoubtedly going through a stressful time. Elizabeth affirmed her with her words. Do you have someone in your life who will be having a rough Christmas season? Maybe they’ve recently lost a loved one, and this is the first Christmas without them. Christmas challenge: Use your words to be an encouragement.

Joseph shows compassion and embraces God’s plan (Matthew 1:18-25). Joseph resolved to divorce Mary quietly until an angel of the Lord visited him. He awoke and took Mary as his wife and Jesus as his son. He accepted God’s plan for his young family.

Christmas challenge: Show kindness to those in need and embrace where God has placed you this Christmas season.

Shepherds were invited to celebrate (Luke 2:8-20). Shepherds were often seen as outcasts. However, that first Christmas, they were invited to celebrate the birth of Jesus by a heavenly host.

They, in turn, went and told everyone what they had seen and heard. Christmas Challenge: Invite someone to church who others often see as an outsider.

Wise men give generously (Matthew 2:1-12). They traveled from far away to see the Christ Child. They celebrated Jesus by giving lavish gifts to His family. Christmas challenge: Give a generous gift to someone or a family in need.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). Let’s take the Christmas challenge and share the great news and love of Jesus with everyone we meet.

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What a mess! A big, terrible, awful mess produced by a big, terrible, awful mistake—a sinful mistake. Then that big, terrible, awful mistake generated a most shocking, unlikely ending: Majesty.

The Biblical account of David and Bethsheba, as recorded in 2 Samuel 11, does not reveal much about the woman involved in the scandal.

Scripture tells us she was a daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah, a well-respected military man. She practiced good habits of hygiene and was considered a beautiful woman.

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In chapter 12 the prophet Nathan uses a metaphor to describe Uriah’s view of Bathsheba as a “little ewe lamb.” He indicates she is loved, protected, and is affectionately described as laying at her husband’s bosom. The story tells us she was summoned by her king and that visit resulted in a sexual encounter. Bathsheba became

in the matter? Did she desire sex with someone other than her husband?

Was Bathsheba aware that David required Uriah to return home? His homecoming wasn’t a secret since many people in the area obviously knew about it. If she knew, did she attempt to convince or entice him to come home or was she

But when we allow it to push us toward information that manipulates, harms, or judges, curiosity becomes hurtful and damaging. pregnant with King David’s child. In an attempt to cover up the pregnancy, David ultimately had Uriah, her husband, murdered. Bathsheba eventually married King David, and their son, conceived out of wedlock, lived only a short time.

One of the first intriguing things we notice about this story is its lack of detail. Details that the inquiring minds of human culture hunger and seek.

For example, Scripture does not reveal to us if Bathsheba knew she was being watched while she was bathing. If she knew, did she like that attention or did she remove herself from it? Did King David ask for Bathsheba’s consent before they had sex?

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secretly hoping he wouldn’t?

(By the way, when Uriah, based on principle and empathy for his soldiers on the battlefield, refused to return home and be with his wife, what did Bathsheba think? Did she recognize a difference in his character and David’s?)

No indication is given that Bathsheba felt love, lust, or infuriation toward David. Many details were omitted—maybe to spark our curiosity as we examine this drama.

Curiosity is natural. We were all created with an element of curiosity. It can be a driving force used in very good ways.

Inquisitive minds have produced new inventions and developments, making life easier and

MARCH STUDY less challenging. New medical advances, reducing pain and saving lives, had their start in inquisitiveness. Curiosity can take us to new adventures and experiences, thus opening our minds and hearts to new worlds of opportunity for work, pleasure, or ministry.

But curiosity/inquisitiveness must be monitored and sometimes tamed, for left to its own volition can create mayhem, making messy matters even worse. When our curiosity propels us toward information with the potential to benefit us and/or others, it can be good.

But when we allow it to push us toward information that manipulates, harms, or judges, curiosity becomes hurtful and damaging. If we want to be the first to know, or have the inside scoop, we must capture our curiosity.

Let’s use the case of Bath-

sheba as an example. Are we seeking answers to our questions so we can decide what ‘to do with’ Bathsheba? Will we allow the answers to determine what we think of her? Do we need to know so we can decide whether to pity her or shame her? Comfort her or judge her?

Befriend her or abandon her? Do we allow the motivations behind the sin to determine how we treat the sinner? We should not.

When we learn about sinful mistakes, we must keep in mind they were committed by people with souls; people whom Christ gave His life to save. Our first, and often our only response, needs to be compassion that leads us to pray. When the urge is strong to perpetuate the story, we should recognize that as our warning to pray for strength to remain silent.

A Lesson For The Outsider Looking In When we want to know the nitty and the gritty in our world today, multiple options are available, such as accessing the news 24/7 from numerous sources.

If that fails to satisfy our curious minds, the tabloid industry will gladly supply innuendos and speculation that is appealing and fulfilling in our ‘need to

know’ society. Of course, if the news hits closer to home (information about a family member or a fellow church member, for instance), good, old-fashioned gossip works well to quench the thirst of its pursuers.

Is there a lesson to be learned about the absence of detail in this story? Or, several lessons?

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First, it is clear God intended to include it in the Bible, so very possibly He intended not to tell us everything. Certainly Samuel, the author, was not negligent when sparing some details.

Maybe we are not to be privy to everything? With the exclusions, could God be saying those things are not the point of the story? If so, what are we to take from that idea?

What is the application here?

When the big, terrible, awful messes occur in the life of someone else, (another believer perhaps), we are to be mindful, aware, and in control of our imaginations and thoughts, just as Paul warned the Corinthian believers in 2 Corinthians 10:5.

As we know, these workings in our mind can lead to words spoken out loud or posted on social media for the world to see.

Sometimes when messes occur, the noises of gossip, rumor, and hearsay become so captivating they cause us to lose sight of the troubled souls within the mess.

Our responsibility toward them has been forgotten. Instead of talk, we need to pray. Instead of criticizing, we show compassion.

Instead of slander, we show our support. Instead of hate, we love.

Another lesson we recognize in this account, as well as in other stories in Scripture, is how these narratives and characters teach us and reveal to us the characteristics of God. When we learn about God and how He worked in the lives of biblical characters, we realize His ways also apply to us right now—in the world we live in today. This is a beautiful description of God, and how He deals with sin and the sinner.

A Lesson For Those In The Mess Mistake after mistake after mistake takes place in the story of David and Bathsheba. If you read the account in its entirety, you see how the first mistake led to others, all in an effort to hide what can’t be hidden, to deceive who can’t be deceived, to make right with wrong. Attempts to avoid the truth often defy logic and reasoning. Good 32 treasure

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sense is impaired by efforts to conceal sin. But no scheme is impervious to the omniscience of God. Proverbs 28:13 states, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper…” In efforts to conceal his sin, David engaged in lying, deceit, bribery, drunkenness, ill-fated strategic planning, and murder. Attempting to hide sin

MARCH STUDY is a full-time job. It steals time, energy, and attention meant for good and better things. In all these plots, during all this time, expending all that energy, not once is God consulted, recognized, or requested, leaving no opportunity to move forward from sin.

However, the second part of Proverbs 28:13 is also evident in this story. The verse continues,

awful transgressions and yet, he experienced first-hand the grace and forgiveness found in God. David is saying that the severity, heinousness, or the inhumanity of the sin does not limit or restrict the completeness of God’s forgiveness. David knows and teaches us that after sincere repentance, God will purge away our every sin.

David and Bathsheba mar-

"Iniquities prevail against me; as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away." (Psalm 65:3) “…but whosoever confesseth and forsaketh them (sins) shall have mercy.” After Nathan confronts David about his sins (II Samuel 12), David repents, “I have sinned against the Lord.”

Nathan tells him, “The Lord also hath put away thy sin…”

Were David’s sins forgiven?

Absolutely. Without a doubt.

God did not hesitate. He did not contemplate. Forgiveness was immediate. David mentions this truth several times in his writings, but in one particular passage he states, “Iniquities prevail against me; as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away” (Psalm 65:3). David is well aware of his transgressions—his terrible,

ried and experienced many beautiful, happy events after their mess. God blessed them with three more sons. One son, King Solomon, is considered the wisest person who ever lived.

What a blessing for David and Bathsheba!

But notice even after forgiveness, the forgiven still experienced pain and suffering. David and Bathsheba lost the child who was conceived in sin. They also suffered other loss and tragedy directly related to their sin throughout the rest of their lives. But the thing that mattered most, the only thing that held eternal significance, was graciously, lovingly granted: FORGIVENESS. JAN-MAR 2022

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A Lesson For All Our Messes When God is invited to intervene, mistakes can lead to majesty. During the account of the birth of Christ, in Matthew 1:1, the first name mentioned in connection with Jesus is David, (“son of David”)—the same David who made a mess. A big, terrible, awful mess brought on

by a big, terrible, awful mistake—a sinful mistake.

David’s (and Bathsheba’s) listing in the genealogy of Christ is evidence there is forgiveness in confessed sin, and a beautiful promise of a future after sin.

God’s forgiveness gives us a way forward.

A Lesson For Us All Believing our mistakes, our sins, have been forgiven is not always easy. The devil’s trick is to convince us that forgiveness is beyond our reach, beyond our mistake, and we don’t deserve it. God’s truth is, when we seek His forgiveness, He does not struggle with the decision to forgive or not forgive. He does not weigh the cost of forgiveness against the cost of our sin.

That price has already been paid at the cross. The most difficult aspect of forgiveness is observed from God’s perspective—He endured heartbreak when He allowed His perfect, sinless Son to be crucified in preparation for our need of forgiveness.

Preachers, who once lived behind prison bars, are proclaiming the Gospel in churches across this world. Sunday School teachers, who once followed their own lusts and tendencies and lived lives of shame and disgrace, are now influencing children to follow Christ. Bible studies are taught by people who once believed there was no God. Forgiveness brought all of these from lives of tragedy to lives of majesty.

Our mess, our sin, does not restrict the power of God. A life of contribution after sin is not reserved for biblical characters only. It is true for us today.

When God intervenes, your mess can lead to majesty!

About the Writer: Tina Tolbert lives in Nashville, TN, and is a member of Cofer's Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. She teaches at Welch College and enjoys sports and outdoor activities.

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Forever

Changed Four words changed our lives forever. That is not hyperbole. It is the truth. We were expecting our second child. Our first, Kylie, was a month shy of her third birthday. Life was normal and filled with happiness and hope.

January 7, 2004, proved to be a challenge to that ‘normal.’ Our lives came to a screeching stop that day. Happiness and hope immediately vanished.

Can you imagine four words so powerful they bring everything to a standstill? Can you imagine four words so devastating? From the doctor came those four words, “Your baby has anencephaly.”

In all honesty, we did not understand in that moment what “anencephaly” meant. The doctor’s explanation made those four words so powerful, “This has a 99.9% fatality rate.”

It is every parent’s worst nightmare. The child in Frances’ womb, our child, was going to die. The source of so much happiness and hope in our lives would not live.

The pain today is as real as it was on the day we received the news—our baby would not be able to sustain life. But the fact that we are writing this article today is a testimony to God’s grace and faithfulness to us. Undoubtedly, God has used this heartbreak to teach us lessons about living by faith.

The Testing of Your Faith Proves the Genuineness of Your Faith We are often tempted to say, “If only we had faith....” The Bible is very clear the reason God tests His people is to prove their faith is real (1 Peter 4:12-19). This is the very nature of a test, isn’t it?

Why do products have quality tests applied to them? To prove the product measures up to the manufacturer’s claims. Your test is not to prove you have no faith or even some faith. God is proving the genuineness of your faith!

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Every decision about the baby confronted our faith. But every decision was informed by our faith. This does not mean the decisions were easy. The struggle was real, especially in light of our doctor’s recommendation to end the pregnancy.

The Testing of Your Faith Is for Your Good Everything we believed was tested. We believe in the sovereignty of God, His providence, His love, grace, and mercy. We believe in the sanctity of life. Yes, our beliefs were tested. Yet today, we can honestly say those tests strengthened our faith.

The Bible often speaks of the testing of faith as a precious metal being refined (Psalm 66:10). This was certainly true for us. We had faith, but our faith, like precious metal, needed to be refined.

The struggle of difficult decisions was a part of that refining. It is okay to struggle with such decisions. Not until this moment had we ever thought of ending a pregnancy. In reality, faith and a medical opinion collided. Ultimately, faith won.

The Testing of Your Faith Is for Others The world is filled with trouble and is looking for answers. There is no greater witness to others than how we handle the testing of our faith.

Take great confidence in the truth that God will not test you above what you can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). No matter how deep the pain, handle the testing of your faith with great care. Depend upon the Lord to carry you through. This is a testimony the world needs to see!

Prepare for the Testing of Your Faith The previous paragraphs focus on why we are tested. It is also necessary to remember we should be prepared for the test. One thing we learned during this particular time was the importance of God’s Word in our lives. Like a tree that digs its roots deep, we should dig deeper into God’s Word (Psalm 1). God’s Word is our source for the promises that will carry us through. God’s Word is a sure foundation for our faith.

About the Writer: Paul and Frances Etterling have three children, Kylie, David (now at home with Jesus), and Joel. They live in Westerville, Ohio, where they are active in ministry at Westerville Free Will Baptist

Church. Paul has written about their experience with the death of their son in “Genuine Faith and The Test of Love.” The book can be purchased on-line: https://amzn.to/3uipaMG .

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VISION by Phyllis York

Isn’t it amazing to watch fruit trees bud and flower in the spring, with tiny fruits slowly replacing the blossoms?

God is truly a marvelous designer.

An amazing phenomenon happens if a fruit tree doesn’t receive proper care and maintenance. Unpruned fruit trees (and, sometimes, even pruned trees) will set more fruit than the tree can support. While “too much fruit” sounds like a good thing, it can lead to major problems. In some trees, individual fruits do not receive enough water. As a result, the fruit is small, hard, or bitter.

More commonly, the excessive fruit grows so large and heavy that branches begin to break. In extreme cases, the branches grow so heavy that the trunk itself splits, damaging the tree beyond repair.

Fruit cannot be produced without the tree. And that’s why it is so important to take care of the tree that bears the fruit.

For 87 years, WNAC has been “bearing fruit” as one of the most effective supporters of Free Will Baptist missions work. In the last decade alone, the ministry has given over $2 million to home and international missions. And this does not include the hundreds of thousands of dollars given to the Steward Provision Closet, children’s homes, college scholarships, and local missions projects. To the glory of God, WNAC has produced excessive fruit.

But we need to take care of the tree.

While Free Will Baptist women always have been faithful in giving to missions, special projects, and the Steward Provision Closet, we have not given enough attention to the WNAC office itself—the tree bearing the bountiful fruit.

As a result, the WNAC office is currently understaffed and underfunded. The budget has already been pruned to the breaking point.

If something doesn’t change soon, the office could experience lasting damage.

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P. O. Box 5002 Antioch, TN 37011-5002 www.wnac.org 877-767-7662

Continued from page 37

To meet financial needs, the WNAC Board has established the WNAC Giving Tree, a fundraising campaign designed to increase annual income to the office by $35,000, relieving financial pressure and making future growth possible. You can join the Giving Tree by partnering with WNAC in one of the following categories of monthly giving: White leaf : $10 per month Bronze leaf : $25 per month Silver leaf : $50 per month Gold leaf : $100 per month How many monthly givers will it take to meet the $35,000 per year goal?

30 individuals, groups, or churches to give $10 per month 25 individuals, groups, or churches to give $25 per month 20 individuals, groups, or churches to give $50 per month 10 individuals, groups, or churches to give $100 per month WNAC Board member and CPA Jonda Patton (KY) encourages Free Will Baptists to join this exciting campaign: "Through the Giving Tree, we are laying the financial roots for Free Will Baptist women's ministries to branch out and grow even more. Working together in Christ, we can continue to bear much fruit. Will you help us?"

About the Writer: Phyllis York has been the administrative assistant for WNAC for the past 11 years, and is now serving as Interim Director.

She and her husband, Tim, live in Smyrna, Tennessee, where he pastors The Grove Free Will Baptist Church.

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