Daily Devotional Saturday 2-24-07

The Gift of Helps

1 Corinthians 12:28

“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps…”

Along with the gift of helps are major gifts such as healing and miracles. But the gift of helps is very important and vital to God’s overall plan for Christians. We who have this gift assist in the big things that need to be done. Have you ever needed a little help, and when it arrived, didn’t the job seem so much easier? Take advantage of every opportunity to help our brothers and sisters in Christ. Help those who are not our Christian family. How we help others is a means of showing that God cares for them. Today, will you utilize God’s gift and help others?

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Home missions director, Larry Powell, would like to know we are praying for him and his wife, Wanda.

Daily Devotional Friday 2-23-07

Spiritual Wellness

Often we are told to take vitamins and supplements for our health. We are told to eat right and get plenty of exercise and rest. We need to take care of our physical bodies, but we also need to maintain our spiritual wellness.

I also recommend vitamins, eating right and getting plenty of exercise and rest.

Vitamin A - A regular time of daily devotion. Your special time with the Lord.

Vitamin B1 - Be one on one with the Lord in prayer.

Vitamin C - See what blessings God has in store for you today in His Word.

Iron - Iron out your problems each day with the Lord. Let Him help you.

Vitamin D - Deliver your sins unto the Lord so He can forgive them.

Eat Right - I Corinthians 10:3,4

“And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink; for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them; and that Rock was Christ.”

Exercise - I Timothy 4:7

“But refuse profane and old wives fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness."

Rest - Matthew 11:28,29,

“Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

Well there it is, a health program for your spiritual wellness.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Do we hunger and thirst to know God? Make this our prayer today.

Daily Devotional Thursday 2-22-07

Peace

Romans 8:6 “To be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

Peace! Where is the peace today? Our lives are filled with chaos and confusion. We live in such a busy world that our life seems to get lost in all the fast pace efforts we put forth. Today is a perfect day to calm our chaos and put our troubles to rest b placing our minds in heavenly places where God can give us peace. Not only has he promised peace, but He has promised life. So we get peace, and we get a life that will let us live in a calm and secure way. Be spiritually minded today and claim the gifts.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

The 2007 WNAC National Retreat begins this evening in Branson, MO. Good attendance with good weather would be an excellent prayer.

Daily Devotional Wednesday 2-21-07

A True Ministry

John 11:19 “And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary to comfort them concerning their brother.”

Recently I cooked food for a family who lost their loved one. This is real ministry—to offer ourselves to those in grief and mourning. Some church women’s groups have a wonderful plan in times of death. One such WAC group designates a certain food dish to each woman. Others pick up and deliver the food to the home of the family, serving them and keeping the kitchen in order. Sometimes all a person needs is for us to just be there. Our presence means more than eloquent words. I love being a part of this ministry, even if it is a cake or BBQ chicken or a card or letter. It says so much about the way we want to help ease the grief these folks are going through. Why not coordinate this wonderful ministry at your next WAC meeting? If you already have such a ministry, please know that you mean so much to those you serve.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Ken Akers, Masters Men director, would appreciate our prayers.

Daily Devotional Tuesday 2-20-07

Bee Stings

Matthew 7:23

“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

My son is deathly allergic to bee stings. His throat and tongue swells and these stings throw his body into shock. We have almost lost him twice. He, therefore, stays away from the bees if at all possible.

We know that sin is deadly. But we just can’t help indulging at times. If we treated sin like these deadly stings we would stay as far away from it as possible. Today is a special day. We can understand the seriousness of sin and know that it will separate us from God. We can change our attitude about sin and abstain from its deadly grip.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Lift up speaker Gail MacDonald in prayer today as she prepares to minister at the WNAC Retreat this weekend.

Opportunity to have your devotionals posted!

If you write a devotional and e-mail it to us, you might see your devotional on the blog!

All you have to do is e-mail us the devotional at befiwefi@yahoo.com.

Now is your opportunity to share with others what God has opened your eyes to you in your devotional time.

Daily Devotional Monday 2-19-07

Winning

I Corinthians 9:24

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain.”

Have you ever been listening to your pastor preach when something stands out so vividly?

My husband was preaching last Sunday evening and asked the question, “Are we running the spiritual race to win?” I felt so ashamed and guilty. I then took an inventory of my life. I fell short. If I were playing a game, I would play to win. If I have a favorite football team, I want them to play to win. I should be running this spiritual race to win, not lose, because I would be losing for the Lord. Today may we put our all into this race and run it that we may obtain.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

A conference for all FWB home missionaries begins today in Nashville, TN, and continues through the 21st.

Daily Devotional Sunday 2-18-07

The Prayer Journal

I Thessalonians 5:17

“Pray without ceasing.”

Recently I went through my books to see what I had accumulated. I ran across a prayer journal I kept in 2002-03. I glanced over the pages and found them very interesting. I’d written down my requests in a daily order. Each request was listed with the name and details of why itt was on my list.

Looking back through these entries, I observed occasional praise items or “prayer answered” notations. Some folks were healed; others were taken home for that ultimate healing. One family purchased a home; two others found jobs. I found entries of praise and thanksgiving to my heavenly Father who listens when I talk to Him. The book was filled with precious information about those who’d asked me to pray for them. My journal kept me organized. In my daily prayer time, I knew exactly who and what to pray for that day.

I closed the book and sensed a longing—for another journal. I need the discipline and joys of keeping a prayer journal. Today, I purchased two new prayer journals to begin this amazing journey for me once again. Start your journey today.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Pray for young women who will be mentors to teenagers.

Daily Devotional Saturday 2-17-07

My Beginning

I Corinthians 3:9

“For we are laborers together with God…”

As a very young girl, I went with my mother to Auxiliary meetings. I loved the business; I loved the missions reports; I loved the projects. Most of all, I loved the fellowship these women enjoyed with each other. Sometimes, there would be as many as 30 women at a meeting. I saw their eagerness to be Women Active for Christ. They were never afraid of giving or being used for the glory of God. I was young, but what I experienced has stayed with me for more than 45 years.

This month as we meet together, why not encourage younger girls to join and take part? Maybe they will observe and perpetuate our passion for WAC ministries.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

The Arizona district meets today at Desert Springs FWB Church, Sierra Vista. Let's meet with them in our prayers.

Daily Devotional Friday 2-16-07

Pre-TV

Ephesians 5:16 “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

One of Satan’s best tools is one most of us submit to daily. Today, a massive amount of electronic gadgets take time away from God. The number one time killer is TV.

Go back in time with me, if you will, and see how Christians used their time before TV. When it came to church, Christians were there. They attended each time there was a service, including revivals and business meetings. Most hymns we sing today were written in an age when there was no TV. Folks wrote letters, books and poems. They crafted things like quilts, doilies and beautiful wood works. They shared stories and life experiences with children and neighbors. Music was a must for most children, who sang and played instruments—either homemade or whatever was available. People helped their neighbors and friends in times of disaster and tragedy. Young children were expected to study, learn and behave in school.

Are we redeeming our time? Can we accomplish what the Lord wants us to do in a days time, sitting in front of the TV. Why not turn the TV off and visit a homebound church member? Write an article for WNAC; volunteer some time at a local rest home, Do something for your church; write a letter to a missionary or attempt something good for the Lord. So many of our untapped talents and creative abilities need to be turned over to the Lord. Let Him use us for His glory by redeeming the time.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Do you ever pray for the homeless in your city or town? If not, begin today.

Daily Devotional Thursday 2-15-07

The Play

2 Corinthians 6:2

“…behold now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation.”

In the summer of 1961 I was thirteen years old. I volunteered to help with a play our church was presenting. There were several cast members and singers. The overall idea of the play involved people going through heaven’s gate to enter into eternity. Folks would walk down the aisle singing songs about heaven. When each one got to the gate, an angel shook her head yes, and the person entered. The last person to come down the aisle played the part of a staggering, drunken old man. When he came to the gate, the angel held up her hand and shook her head no. This gentleman’s performance was so outstanding, I was convicted of the sin in my life. I knew if I were to come to the gate that evening, I could not enter. The play concluded with the song, “Standing Outside” and an altar call. I ran to the altar and gave my heart to the Lord.

There are so many avenues youth groups, churches and woman’s groups can take to help the lost see their need for salvation. Maybe God is calling you to lead a project of this kind. Don’t be afraid. Just mind the Lord. Whom He calls He will equip.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Most, if not all of us, have friends or family who do not know Christ. Prayer can melt those hearts.

Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day…..

I don’t know if I am different than everyone else, but the day that I first met my husband, I certainly did not think that he would end up being my husband. Micah and I met as freshmen at Free Will Baptist Bible College. My first real memory of conversation with him was at one of those first week of school little mixer type things so that the freshmen can all get to know one another and not be homesick. This night was an ice skating event and I remember Micah skating next to me quite a bit and us talking. He was nice enough, I guess, but I don’t remember thinking “that man is going to be mine!” We went through four years of school together and became very good friends. I could share lots of different little anecdotes that contribute to our story, but in the interest of brevity, I will only share a fairly significant one. This story took place one Monday morning in January 1999 during the spring semester of our junior year. We were sitting talking after vocational meetings at school, and I knew that Micah had been contemplating going to a different school the next year and making some changes. So, I asked him, “What are you doing next year, have you decided?” Well, he tells me that he wants to come back to graduate from the Bible college and then, he really wants to go to France to work among Muslims. Well, at that exact moment, I think that a slight breeze could have knocked me off that bench, because unbeknownst to Micah, I had been doing some pretty serious praying and decision making in my own life and I had just recently made the decision to pursue that exact path after college. I remember thinking to myself, “How crazy is this that we want to do the exact same thing!” Did I know then that Micah and I would one day be married and pursuing that calling together? No, God still had a lot of growing and changing in both my life and Micah’s before we were married four years to the day after having that conversation. Every time I think back on our story of how God brought us together, I smile and think “How could I ever question God’s sovereignty?” He brings people and situations into our lives that we would maybe have never asked for or known to ask for, yet He uses them to lead us and guide us into His will. On this Valentine’s Day, I am thankful not only for the wonderful godly husband that I have been blessed with, but also for the wonderful Father who knew when I met this skinny eighteen year old guy that night on at the skating rink that one day we would be man and wife serving Him together.

-Written by Becky Derby, one of our international missionaries

PRAYER CORNER

Now lets intercede for students, teachers, and administrators in our local public school systems.

Daily Devotional Tuesday 2-13-07

Put Your Love To Work

I John 3:18

“My little children let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”

My daughter-in-law and I were in a retail store and as we were walking along we came upon a woman with a large armful of clothing. I said “Could I get you a cart?” She said no but looked up at me and said; “Would you do that for me?” I replied with a phrase I use often, “it would be my reasonable service.” I proceeded to get the cart and bring it back to her. She unloaded her bundle and was quite taken back that someone would help her. It was such a little thing, but it made both of us feel good about the experience.

The Lord’s ministry was filled with loving deeds and kindness. Jesus is always the perfect example of word and deed. Today is a great day to put our love to work.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Do you homeschool? We're praying for you and your children today.

Daily Devotional Monday 2-12-07

Choose The Good

Isaiah 7:15

“Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.”

My three-year-old grandson is quickly learning there are bad cartoons and good cartoons. I explain why the bad cartoons are not good for little eyes and ears. When I scan the stations he now says; “Not good.” There is so much evil on TV and electronic devices these days a parent has to keep up with the evil their children may encounter. Often we have to choose the good for them, but they will soon learn to make these choices on their own. Jesus preached against evil. He made it clear there was no room for good and evil to dwell together. Our parental guide is the Holy Bible—Holy Spirit inspired Scriptures that can help us raise our children and grandchildren. Let’s read, read, read, because the days are evil. And we are responsible to provide the good God has in store for our precious little ones.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

It takes a special person to work in Restrictive Access Areas. Can these individuals count on your prayers and support?

Daily Devotional Sunday 2-11-07

Light Of The World

John 8:12
“Then spake Jesus again unto them saying, I am the light of the world; he that followed me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.”

If you have been to one of the caves or caverns you will be familiar with one aspect of the tour. The guide gets to one point and turns the lights off. You cannot see anything at all. The guide says, “put your hand in front of your face”. It is scary not see your hand not four inches from your eyes. This is the kind of spiritual darkness the unsaved world lives. Jesus is the light of the world and has passed to us the responsibility to be the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14) And just as the guide had the duty to turn the lights back on so must we be dutiful in turning the light on for those who are walking in darkness.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Working mothers need an additional portion of prayer each day.

Daily Devotional Saturday 2-10-07

Jerusalem

Psalm 122: 1, 2

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.”

We often use this verse as a call to worship, a reminder of the joy and privilege we have to “go into the house of the Lord.” Yet for the Psalmist David and for Jewish people who’ve sang this song for centuries, it was so much more.

Jerusalem was the city of God. It was the place of God’s presence and the most hallowed place on earth. It was all about God. Yet, Jerusalem, the city of God was not God. Later, the prophets foretold and recorded its destruction. Jesus wept over this city for its refusal to receive the nurture He longed to shower upon its peoples.

How wonderful when we meet with God’s people. How blessed to joy in our Jerusalems—the God-established structures of our lives—marriage, family, ministry and even church. Yet, how sobering a reminder that although these are given by God and should be all about God, our Jerusalems are also subject to destruction. Hallowed though they be, like the ancient holy city, they are not the Ancient Holy God.

Be glad. Rejoice in Jerusalem, but love the God of Jerusalem supremely. When the city falls, our faith will remain.

PRAYER CORNER

Our Bible Colleges need prayer as well as financial support.

Daily Devotional Friday 2-9-07

The Biggest Heart of All

Matthew 5:8

“Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God.”

December 26, 1968, we had our first child, a son. The next day as we were standing in front of the nursery window glowing over our new son, a woman looking out of her doorway asked; “Do you have a new baby?” My husband said with pride, “Oh yes, do you have a new baby?” She replied, “No, I lost mine.” We both shared our sorrow with her and silently walked back to my room.

My husband quietly left and returned three hours later. He sat on my bedside and took my hand. He went on to explain that he did not have any flowers for me. I quickly assured him I did not need any flowers. He insisted on explaining why he did not have flowers for me. He had sent the woman who lost her baby a dozen roses. He asked me if I was disappointed. I told him how wonderful it was for him to have such a big heart.

If we could only have this kind of heart for others, we could transform the world.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Creative Arts Contest deadline is March 1. Pray and write.

Daily Devotional Thursday 2-8-07

Love and Discipleship

Luke 14:27

“And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”

In order to be a disciple of anything, one has to believe in the message and the messenger. Usually a disciple is very loyal to the leader and the cause. There are many evil leaders and causes these days. It is imperative that we keep our hearts and minds on the Lord. We are to love the Lord so much that we are to deny ourselves and pick up our crosses and follow Him. We believe in the Lord and His message; let’s determine to be a loyal and loving disciple.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

When you receive mail from FWB National Offices, remember to pray for Steve Pate, an employee who wears many hats.

Daily Devotional Wednesday 2-7-07

Love and Friendship

1 Samuel 18:3

“Then Jonathan and David made a covenant because he loved him as his own soul.”

All of us have friends. We go to church, we go out to eat and go shopping with our friends. We have fun with our friends through sports, games and just plain being together. How strong are our friendships? Can they withstand heartache, sorrow and setbacks? What do we give in a friendship? When we are selfless and loving to our friends, this will cultivate a warm, reliable friendship. Love is the strength that holds friendships together. The key to a strong friendship can be found in Scripture’s words concerning Jonathan’s feelings for David. “He loved him as his own soul.”

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Home missionaries are completing itinerate and moving to their fields of service. Pray.

Daily Devotional Tuesday 2-6-07

Love and God The Father

Psalm 31:23

“O love the Lord, all ye his saints.”

As girls, most of us loved our dads. My dad went to Heaven in 1993. He gave me his love, his protection, his provision and Christian standards by which to live.

There is no greater love than that of our Heavenly Father. He loves us, He protects us, He provides for us and He has given us His Word as a standard of living. He gave His Son as the pure and perfect sacrifice for our sins.

Let us love Him with all our hearts.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Do you know someone who's lonely? Visit them in prayer today.

Daily Devotional Monday 2-5-07

Love and Jesus Christ Our Savior

Ephesians 6:24

“Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.”

Wow! What can we say? Jesus is the extreme essence of love. He died for all of us, laying down His life freely. To try and describe His vast love is nearly impossible. If we could only believe and grasp this great love, how much more faithful and loving we would be to Him.

Let us love Him with all our heart.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Chaplains in our Armed Forces need our prayers daily.

Daily Devotional Sunday 2-4-07

Love and Marriage

Mark 10:9

“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

Those of us who are married know the joys of being with the one we love. We also know that it takes a great deal of work to make a marriage flow smoothly. God has ordained marriage, and to keep it holy, He has given us strict guidelines. He wants wives to love husbands and husbands to love wives. He wants us to keep our marriages pure. He is the catalyst for a loving and healthy marriage.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

MKs get awfully homesick sometimes-let's encourage them today.

Daily Devotional Saturday 2-3-07

Love and The Holy Spirit

I Corinthians 3:16

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”

Believing the unbelievable? My rule is seeing is believing. It would be hard to explain how the Holy Spirit lives in our hearts. But, if we let the Holy Spirit lead and guide us, He will show Himself through our lives. By our manner of life, we should seek to provide Him a holy temple in which to dwell. He is our comforter, our teacher, and guide.

Let us love Him with all our heart.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Tim and Lydia Awtrey would like to know we are praying as they are commissioned today in Stockton, CA, as our first missionaries to Bulgaria.

Daily Devotional Friday 2-2-07

Hearts and Flowers

Psalm 51:10

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

Valentines Day is a special occasion to shower those we love with gifts. Cards, candy, flowers, jewelry, special dinners and a variety of other things are given and received on Valentines Day. How great would it be to use the money we would ordinarily spend on these tokens and instead, send a love offering to our missionaries? Let us show our love for our missionaries and offer them a gift on this special day.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

How are we doing in our study on prayer? Make plans for one hour of intimacy with the Master this month.

Daily Devotional Thursday 2-1-07

Handiwork

Psalm 19:1

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showed His handiwork.”

Have you ever made something and been very proud of your handiwork? It is even sweeter when a compliment follows.

We should take a closer look at the world God made. It is awesome! Snowflakes, flowers, butterflies, mountains, lakes and rainbows to name only a few things of His magnificent creation. Each and everything God made is perfect and perfectly lovely.

Today let’s thank Him for His handiwork, made so we could see and enjoy His marvelous works.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Why not send a card to President Debe Taylor: 103 Chisholm Trail, hot Springs, AR 71913 to let her know she can count on your prayers?