Together With God

NEW BLOG ADDRESS

2007-05-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

Please adjust your bookmarks. The Together With God blog is now at this address: www.wnac.org/blog.

The blogspot site will no longer be updated.

Daily Devotional Saturday 5-5-07

2007-05-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

The Blanket

II Corinthians 9:7

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

Five years ago my mother and I offered help to our friends, driving them across Knoxville to the Cancer Center. When we arrived, the wife escorted her husband back to where he would receive chemo. Mom and I brought needlework and sometimes a book. We sat near the door to help those in wheelchairs.

One day I opened the door for a gentleman who was pushing his mother to their car. She motioned me over to her window and asked if I were a Christian. I assured her that I was, and she ask if I would pray for her. When I said amen and opened my eyes, she was shaking because she was so cold. Mom and I looked at each other and agreed, “Let’s give her a blanket.” We had a couple of textile knitted blankets in the trunk of the car. I opened the trunk and retrieved this sweet lady a blanket. They thanked us, and the son started the motor and rolled the windows up. Then he got out of the car and said, “We got bad news today. Mom only has few weeks to live. Do you want your blanket back?”

“No,” I answered. “You keep her as warm as you can with her new blanket.” He cried and hugged me.

The Lord gives to us freely and happily. He wants us to be cheerful givers, too.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Pray for Home Mission church planters across the United States.

Daily Devotional Friday 5-4-07

2007-05-04T20:28:00.000-07:00

The Flip Flop

Psalms 25:8

“Good and upright is the Lord, therefore will he teach sinners in the way.”

Watch TV and you will see the flip flop. Listen to the news and you will hear the flip flop. Read the newspaper and you will recognize the flip flop in print.

The flip flop is the world making good things bad and bad things good. This is not at all the way it should be. Good things are good and bad things are bad. The good and upright is how we “teach sinner in the way.”

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Persecuted Christians, especially in China, Laos and Uzbekistan, need prayer.

Daily Devotional Thursday 5-3-07

2007-05-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

Rain

Deuteronomy 28:12a

“The Lord shall open unto thee His good treasure the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in this season…”

I love rain. It is so refreshing and invigorating. I love to feel the cool raindrops gently fall on my face and roll down. I love to take walks in the rain, and I often sit next to a window or on the porch just to hear the rain. In the dry spells of summer you can almost hear the earth drink the rain. Everything needs water to survive.

God’s Word is refreshing. Each time we open the pages of our Bibles, something new emerges to help us through the day. It is like a cool drink of water we need to survive our Christian lives.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Pray today for Doug Little (FWBIM) and his family's health needs.

Daily Devotional Wednesday 5-2-07

2007-05-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

Working Together

I Corinthians 15:58

“Therefore my beloved brethren be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that our labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

Today my husband and I cut the hedge, raked and painted the trim on the shed. We worked together all day. We have always worked together. Whatever needs to be done, we do it together. We talk, we stop for a cool drink or we sometimes even change jobs. We have always tried to work in harmony because we know we will soon get the job done together.

The Lord has charged us to work together. He uses the word brethren—the plural of brother. He also wants us to be steadfast and unmovable in His work. Whether we work together as a family, a church, or in our WAC group, He is depending on us to accomplish His work. The Lord knows that working together is a good thing for His children.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Have you set aside one hour to pray this month?

Daily Devotional Tuesday 5-1-07

2007-05-01T20:24:00.000-07:00

Little Shoes in Big Shoes

Ephesians 6:4

“And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

The other day, after a visit with my four-year-old grandson, I was picking up socks and shoes. I placed my grandson’s shoes into my husband’s shoes to make it easier to carry them. I took a good look at the shoes and was overwhelmed within my heart at this visual reminder of this responsibility. Parents and grandparents alike have a great task of showing our precious little ones the ways of the Lord. He is counting on our shoes to walk pure and godly because little shoes will be following.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Pray for and give to WNAC Emphasis offering on Mother's Day.

Daily Devotional Monday 4-30-07

2007-04-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

Virginia Tech

Romans 9:2

“That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.”

A great tragedy struck our nation with the mass murder of 32 lives at Virginia Tech. How grief stricken are the families of these students and faculty members. There are no rational answers to why this happened and these family members will hurt for a long, long time over this senseless tragedy. Some who are reading this devotion have already experienced this kind of grief and sorrow. You know how these folks are painfully trying to get through.

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3).

Yes, there is comfort for these fathers, mothers and family members—the comforting power of the Holy Spirit. Today let us give these in grief our prayers that the Lord would ease their pain and give them comfort from the “God of all comfort.”

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Mother's Day is coming. Pray about ways to honor your mom.

Daily Devotional Saturday 4-28-07

2007-04-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

Love.

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 1 John 4:8

We do all the right things. We listen to the right music. Wear the right clothes. Go to the right places. Why? Do we do them because we fear? Because we respect other people and don’t want to disappoint them? Or do we do all the right things because we love Jesus?

Of course, love of Jesus should be our motivation for all things good. He gave His life for us. He lives again for us. He surrounds us every moment with His presence, our Comforter. He promises never to leave us or forsake us.

Love Him because He first loved us.

Tammy Miller

South Carolina

PRAYER CORNER

Single parents need our prayer and support.

Daily Devotional Friday 4-27-07

2007-04-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

Remember!

The April 15^th Sunday school lesson from Scholar had beautiful language in the message Moses was to deliver to the children of Israel in Exodus 19.

Verse 3 in particular: “Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians…”

God was again saying to remember the miracles, the protection, and the deliverance! Then verse 3b: “…and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto Myself.”

Through every circumstance, through every trial, through every struggle, through it all—He does for us what He did for them. He bares us on eagles’ wings—high, lifted up, where there is expanse and perspective and wonder and beauty. The Israelites did not “feel or even think” that they were in the realm of expanse, perspective, wonder or surely not beauty, but GOD says He was bearing them on eagles’ wings.

Then out of Daily Light on the Daily Path April 16^th this morning were similar thoughts about remembering:

This is often how we feel about out health, schedule overload, finances, addictions, over-eating/overweightness (From Psalm 69:2 and Lamentations 3:54)---“I sink in deep mire and where there is no standing; I have come into deep waters where the floods overflow me. The waters flowed over my head”

And then our minds get into a gear of wondering about God’s goodness, His understanding, His activity on our behalf. “Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promised failed forevermore? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies?” (Psalm 77:7-11).

God then sends “GRACE” and “TRUTH” TO THE RESCUE (from Psalm 77)---“And I said, ‘This is my anguish; but

1. I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.’

2. I will remember the works of the Lord;

3. surely I will remember Your wonders of old.”

4. “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Ps. 27:13)

In the traumas of our days, sometimes we need to stop and remember.

Psalm 103:2 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits!”

Rebecca Pugh

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Have you thought about sending a TWG subscription to a family member or friend? Pray about it.

Daily Devotional Thursday 4-26-07

2007-04-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

Exodus 19:12-13

“Take heed to yourselves that you …not…touch the border of it…whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: There shall not an hand touch it…”

Boundaries were set for God’s people to NOT TOUCH that which was holy or set apart and specially designated by God—in this verse even the mountain where God would meet with Moses. That which was of God was separated [i.e. Holy of Holies], holy, distinct, set apart. (Numbers 4:15--“they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die”)

FAST FORWARD 1500 YEARS……………………………

Hebrews 1:1-3 “God has in these last days spoken unto us by His Son—Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power”

Jesus…

He changed the whole arrangement---

Mary wrapped Him in swaddling clothes (Lk. 2:7)

Crowds touched Him and were healed (Mk. 3:10, Mt. 14:36)

The sinner woman anointed Jesus’ head and feet (Mk. 14:3-9;Lk. 7:38)

The woman with an issue of blood touched Jesus and was healed (Lk. 8:43-48, Mk. 5:24-34)

The children crowded and touched Jesus (Mk. 10;13, Lk 18:15)

The Disciples touched him after the resurrection (Lk. 24:39, Jn. 20:19-20)

Thomas was able to give a special touch (Jn 20:24-28)

A blind man touched him in Mk. 8:22

FAST FORWARD 2000 YEARS…………………………

Romans 5:1-2 therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Hebrew 4:14 Seeing that we have ...Jesus the Son of God…

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Rebecca Pugh

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Both IM and HM missionaries struggle with deficit accounts. Let's ask God what we can do to help erase deficits.

Daily Devotional Wednesday 4-25-07

2007-04-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

Our Babies

I Corinthians 3:2 “I have fed you with milk, and not with meat; for hither to ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.”

Our family has been blessed with a new grandchild. We now have three granddaughters and three grandsons. The oldest is 13 and the youngest is 2 months old. I was caring for the baby the other day, and as I fed him I ran my fingers over his soft little head. I couldn’t help but to think how helpless he is and how much he depends on the help of the mature adults around him to keep him safe and healthy. His little life is in our hands.

These concepts are so very true with baby Christians. We need to care for them and help them grow into mature adult Christians. They are subject to Satan because he is a real danger to these babes in Christ. Christian women are the perfect helpers and mentors to these Christian babes. We have the greatest mental and emotional abilities to nurture, protect, guide and teach. Today would be a perfect time to take a new or struggling Christian under your wing.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

College students will soon be studying for exams. A prayer and a box/bag of snacks would certainly help.

Daily Devotional Tuesday 4-24-07

2007-04-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

Ah Chooo

Proverbs 17:22 “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

This has been a really bad season for allergies. Everyone I know is sneezing. I went to the pharmacy the other day to get my husband something for his allergies, and most of these medications were sold out.

We have a medicine for our spiritual ails; it’s a merry heart. Our prescription? Make a list of all the things the Lord has done for us. We soon will be happy over the wonderful gifts we have through Jesus Christ. Our merry heart will work like a medicine in our lives.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Today is an excellent occasion just to praise God.

Daily Devotional Monday 2-23-07

2007-04-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

United We Stand, Divided We Fall

Psalm 133:1 “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.”

“United we stand, divided we fall” has been used in speeches and songs. It is the Kentucky state motto. According to the Internet encyclopedia, this exact saying is credited to Aesop, a Greek slave and the author of fables. Christ Himself said, “…Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand” (Matthew 12:25).

When Christians unite together, God’s work will get done. If we would only love each other like He loves us. This requires resolve and commitment because loving is a lifelong responsibility. We do not ever want to see Christians fall—whether one, a group or all. Let’s think about the ways we can live in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ as good and pleasant children of God.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

FWB International Missions board meeting begins today. Please pray as members make important decisions affecting our missionaries.

Daily Devotional Sunday 4-22-07

2007-04-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

Forgiveness

Matthew 6:14 “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Forgiveness is a positive attitude toward the offense instead of a negative response toward the offender. It is so hard to ask forgiveness, but it is necessary for our forgiveness. The account of Joseph forgiving his brothers is beautiful, and the passage of Jesus on the cross forgiving those who were responsible for His death is amazing. When we bow in humble prayer and ask Him to forgive us, this is true compassion. Throughout the Bible we find examples that will help us know how to forgive and how to ask for forgiveness. Let us forgive as Christ forgives us.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Today let's pray for our pastors and Sunday school teachers.

Daily Devotional Saturday 4-21-07

2007-04-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

Ice Skating

Ecclesiastes 9:10a “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might…”

This past weekend we went to the mountains and ended up at Ober-Gatlinburg. My husband and I sat and watched the ice skaters. We noted quite a range in their ability. A young lady in a pink sweater was very good. She glided smoothly over the ice making quick turns in the air, always landing with ease and grace. There also was a young lady who never took her hands off of the rails, scooting around the rink, holding on to her friend and the rails. All the other skaters were in the middle of skill level range. But the skater I really noticed and loved was a 10 year old, blonde headed boy in jeans and a grey sweat jacket. He had the biggest smile on his face, and there was no mistake. He was having the time of his life. His dedication impressed me. He skated the entire time and didn’t let anything stop him. Falling, getting up, and falling again. If someone accidentally skated into him he kept on smiling, got back up on his skates and went on his way. He was so delightful.

Oh how wonderful to live our Christian life like this. Generally, the first thing we do is lose our smile and then our luster as happy, dedicated Christians. Today let’s purpose to keep our enthusiasm in living and working for the Lord. When we get knocked down (and occasionally we will), let’s smile, get back up and skate away.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Young women are crucial to our WAS program. Pray more will join.

Daily Devotional Friday 4-20-07

2007-04-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

I Love You More

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

My three year old grandson and I play a game called,”I love you more.” I’ll say; “I love you so much,” and he will answer, “I love you more, Maw maw.”

Isn’t it a wonderful feeling when we pray and say, “Lord I love you,” and He answers and says,“I love you more.” He does love us more—more than we realize. He gives us the greatest love, the sweetest love, the deepest love and unconditional love. All of this is ours by receiving His amazing love.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Spring is a good time to include the WNAC general fund in your budget. Put some thought and prayer into this suggestion.

Daily Devotional Thursday 4-19-07

2007-04-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

Kindness

Isaiah 54:10 “For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.”

We all need is a little kindness at times. Especially if we are having a rough day. When we are at our lowest day ever the Lord is there for us. His kindness wraps around us like a big warm blanket. We can always depend on Him to help us set aside the things that could ruin a good day. Feel His kindness today and forget the worries and stresses that overcome us, because His kindness will not depart from us.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Pray for Cleo Pursell Scholarship recipients. Consider giving to this fund.

Daily Devotional Wednesday 4-18-07

2007-04-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

Don’t Be Afraid

Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

So many things cause us fear these days. It might be a doctors visit, a loved one in the armed services, a sick child, money matters, moving to a new church, a mission account, a backslidden loved one, a medical test, school, the weather, world issues, retirement, preparing a talk for a woman’s group, our lives, our health or insert your personal fears here. Because we, today, are going to turn our fears over to the Lord. Today’s Scripture is so full of promise. Know that God always keeps His promises. Don’t be afraid; the Lord is there to help us.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

FWB youth camp leaders are busy planning and preparing for camp activities this summer. Pray for godly direction.

Daily Devotional Tuesday 4-17-07

2007-04-17T15:13:00.000-07:00

Time For God

Psalm 46:10a “Be still and know that I am God…”

I have never known a time when people are as busy as now. When do folks have time for the Lord? What do we have to do to make time? First we have to place Him at the top of the list. God must come first in our lives. Then we must slow ourselves down till He is solely on our hearts and minds. When we get still and focus completely on the Lord, we can know Him in a sweet and personal way.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Pray for safety of missionaries, denominational leaders and others who travel many miles each year.

Daily Devotional Monday 4-16-07

2007-04-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

A Gift for Me

James 1:17a “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the father of lights,…”

Recently my mother-in-law split her cabbage rose pink glass collection with my husband and his sister. Soon after his return home from her house we washed it all and put on a prepared shelf. One day he came home with something wrapped up in a brown paper sack. He handed it to me and said, “I bought you a gift”. I unwrapped the bag to find a beautiful pink glass bowl. My gift matched the other pink glass perfectly. He was surprised that I moved the other glass around to make room for the pink bowl. I let him know that his gift meant so much to me, and I would take special care of it.

We must receive each and every gift the Lord has for us in an attitude of gratefulness and treat His special gifts with exceptional care.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Continue to pray for success of TWG and for editor Sarah Fletcher.

Daily Devotional Sunday 4-15-07

2007-04-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

Ease

Isaiah 32:9a “Rise up, ye women that are at ease;”

This passage is a warning to the women of Jerusalem. In the next verse God calls them careless daughters and tells them to give ear to Him.

I have two fine dogs I love. But most of the day Manchester and Buck are at ease on the back deck. There are two nice chase deck chairs out there and I have even put blankets down on these chairs for them. So, most of the time they are at ease in a lot of comfort. They never get anything done. And that is the downfall of being at ease. Are we comfortably at ease in our Christian life? Rise up and give ear to the Lord!

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Students graduating from high school next month need special prayer concerning where they will continue their education.

Daily Devotional Saturday 4-14-07

2007-04-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

Patience

James 1:3 “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

Have you ever heard the expression ‘I want patience and I want it now’. Let’s face it. We all would like to have patience on request. But this is not how the Lord said we would receive it. He wants us to strengthen our faith and that by trial. He knows that our patience is developed through the “trying of our faith.” When we are faced with a trial let’s keep in mind the Lord is with us, and He wants us to be victorious over our circumstances. Let’s cultivate our patience through our trials. We should have plenty of patience in our storehouse.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Pastors' wives need prayer and encouragement. Why not do something special for your pastor's wife today?

Daily Devotional Friday 4-13-07

2007-04-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

Dry Bones

Ezekiel 37:14a “And shall put my spirit in you and ye shall live…”

Ezekiel 37:1-14 gives the Scriptural account of a valley of dry bones that God raises into “an exceeding great army.” It’s a beautiful passage of how God takes a valley of dry bones and puts them together piece by piece and gives them breath “so they might live.”

Sometimes we may feel like dry bones. Our self confidence is gone, our usefulness is over, our talents and gifts are of no great value, our breath for spiritual service has dried up and it seems our spiritual life is lying in a desert like the dry bones. All of us experience these feelings at one time or another in our life. Today let’s pray for ourselves and each other—for a dry bone resurrection in our lives. Let God raise us into the “exceeding great” woman we can be. Let Him put His Spirit in us that we might have life—a wonderful, useful, confident and joyful life.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Pray for Rob Conley and staff (FWBIM finances) during this busy month.

Daily Devotional Thursday 4-12-07

2007-04-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

No One Listens Anymore

I John 5:14 “And this is the confidence that we have we have in him, that if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.”

Does it seem that sometimes folks around us don’t hear us? It certainly is difficult to find someone who will be a good ear and listen. The Lord hears us and gives us what we ask according to His will. He is our best friend. And no matter what we tell Him, He hears us.

Are we carrying a heavy burden that we want to unload? He hears us. Do we need a prayer answered that only God can provide? He hears us. Do we have a secret sin in our life that needs forgiven? He hears us. Do we need an ear of confidence for a very private need? He hears us. We must have confidence that He will do what He has promised, and He promised to hear us.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Pray for James Forlines, conference speaker at California Christian College, April 12-16.

Daily Devotional Wednesday 4-11-07

2007-04-11T08:51:00.000-07:00

Chips and Dip

Romans 12:13 “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."

When I was a young girl it was a special thing to visit after church. There was one family I really enjoyed visiting. They opened up their home to church members all the time. These were special times. This woman always had chips and dip on the table. We gathered around the piano and we sang as she played the piano. The fellowship was so wonderful, the music was amazing and the whole experience gave me a real love for Christian fellowship.

Are we providing these kinds of experiences for younger generations? How will they develop their love for fellowship? Ladies, we have a task to pass on the great events that shaped our lives and made us better Christian women. Let’s use our gifts of hospitality to share with others and teach younger girls the true ability to love and share Christian fellowship.

You can always set out some chips and dip.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Dale and Julie McCoy are assuming pastorate of the missions church in Prattville, AL. Let them know you are praying for them.

Daily Devotional Tuesday 4-10-07

2007-04-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

The Fire

Revelation 19:20b “…these both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”

My husband and I were burning hedge clippings the other day. We had a lot of them. This made for a very hot fire. At one point, the fire was high and hot. When I threw some more brush on the blaze, a few hot sparks landed on me. They burned where they landed and I swiftly shook them off. As I sat down to watch such a hot intense fire, I thought about how hot hell is going to be—not a few sparks but a lake of fire. I bowed my head and thanked the Lord for my salvation and that I will not have to go to hell. We should all be thankful Jesus died on the cross to provide salvation so that we can escape hell.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Pray that WNAC luncheon speaker Luba Kutratova obtains her visa.

Daily Devotional Monday 4-9-07

2007-04-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

Sweet Sixteen

James 5:20 “Let him know, that he which h converted the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”

We recently watched college teams play their hearts out to earn a spot in the Sweet Sixteen. The boys and girls played so hard and the fans were so excited about the games. They waved team flags and shakers; they shouted and showed extreme enthusiasm for their teams.

As I was watching, a thought came over me. What if we could do the Lord’s work with such thrill and excitement? The Lord has a team and all of the players are Christian brothers and sisters. Our goal is winning souls. To win is not for ourselves but for the glory of God. To play with such vigor will make us winners.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

April begins registration for the WNAC convention, July 16-17, in Little Rock, AR. Bathe this event in prayer.

Daily Devotional Friday 4-6-07

2007-04-06T08:43:00.000-07:00

His Prayer for Us

Luke 22:31a "And the Lord said Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not."

The Lord knows all too well Satan's intentions toward us, and how he wants nothing more than to "sift" our lives into nothing. But, praise the Lord, He is praying for us that we can hold fast our faith. If Satan is giving us trouble today, we need to go straight to the throne of glory in prayer and put it all in the hands of the Lord because He is praying for us. How great is that?

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Reflect on what this day means to Christians. Pray for many people to recognixe what Christ did for them on Good Friday.

Daily Devotional Thursday 4-5-07

2007-04-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

Uncertainties.

There are many in this world. On every hand, things are unpredictable. One day things are running smoothly. The next day nothing goes right. What are we to do? Are we to sit in despair day in and day out, not knowing what to expect? No. We have the assurance that God is sure and steady. He is our Solid Rock. He knows even when we don’t. He knows what is around the bend. In fact, He is already there. Nothing comes unexpectedly to God. He knows well in advance everything that comes into my life. He even has orchestrated the events. God arranges the good and the bad that comes into our lives. He knows what shadows we need to mature us. He knows what light we need to cheer us up and keep us going. We must have both the sure things and the unsure things. When the uncertainties comes we lean more heavily on our Father in heaven who is the same yesterday, today and forever.

"Trust in the Lord with all thy heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5,6.

Tammy Miller
South Carolina

PRAYER CORNER

Devote some quality time to Farther Still studies today.

Daily Devotional Wednesday 4-4-07

2007-04-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

The Plan

Does God have a plan, a specific plan for your life and mine? I believe He does. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11. Not only does He have a plan, but He wants us to know what it is and get about letting Him work it out in our lives. "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Jeremiah 33:3. Are you in the dark about what God has in mind for you? Is your game plan a little foggy? Then ask for clarity. Just ask. Here He plainly says if we don’t know what He is doing, then we should call on Him and He promises to answer. Not only will He answer, but He will show us great and mighty things. Let’s say with David, "Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live." Psalm 116:2. God has a life long plan for you. Keep calling unto Him. He has the answers, I don't. Watch with me for small graces as well as great amazing things.

Tammy Miller
South Carolina

PRAYER CORNER

Alabama, Florida and New Mexico WAC's meet in April. Support these sisters with our prayers.

Daily Devotional Tuesday 4-3-07

2007-04-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

WHO’S YOUR HERO?

I Timothy 4:12 “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

Who is the person in your life? Who has been an example, or has made an impact on your life? Does this person know how you feel about him/her? Today is a great day to let your hero know what he/she has done for you and how his/her life has made a difference in yours. We are also encouraged to be an example of Christian conduct. There are eyes watching our lives.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Michael and Holly Hutton along with Mark and Donna Thomas are relocating to new areas of missions service. Encourage and pray.

Daily Devotional Monday 4-2-07

2007-04-02T07:49:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS YOUR GOLIATH?

I Samuel 17:45 “Then said David to the Philistine, thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts,…”

We all have giants we have to tackle. What is your Goliath today? A young shepherd boy took on a giant with a sling and five smooth stones. David only used one stone but was prepared to face Goliath’s four brothers. David had great faith in the Lord to conquer Goliath. He met his giant in the name of the Lord. We can bring our Goliaths down if we go in the name of the Lord. He wants to help us take on the big problems, because the Lord handles all problems—little, big or giant.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

PreEaster Week of Prayer is April 2-6. Set aside time for concentrated prayer each day this week.

Daily Devotional Sunday 4-1-07

2007-04-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

The Three Bears

Galatians 6:2,5,17 "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." 5) "For every man shall bear his own burden." 17) "...For I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus."

We are all God's children, and He really wants us to take care of each other. We need to bear others’ burdens and help them lighten their load. We are to bear our own burdens. The Bible gives us all the tools we need to bear these burdens, and we have all the examples of men and women of the Bible who were victorious in the way they managed their burdens. Paul actually carried physical marks of the Lord Jesus. When we have the privilege to carry a burden, and come through in a spiritual manner, we will show others that we are Christians. That is our mark of the Lord Jesus.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Begin praying now for Easter services around the world. Pray that many will make decisions for Christ during this beautiful season.

Daily Devotional Saturday 3-31-07

2007-03-31T07:43:00.000-07:00

THE MOM IN US AND THE FATHER IN HIM

Matthew 7:11 “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask?”

There is nothing we wouldn’t do for our children. We love them so much and want them to have all we can provide for them. When we know the extent we would give to our children, we should also know how much more our Father will give to us. He gives so much more than we are able to give our children and that is why we should keep our children before the Lord in prayer everyday. He will supply to them what we are unable to do for them. He is our Father and will surely take care of His children.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Spring brings new life and growth. Ask for abundance of new growth in our prayer lives.

Daily Devotional Friday 3-30-07

2007-03-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

The Lunar Eclipse

Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withered, the flower fadeth but the word of God shall stand forever."

Tonight there was a lunar eclipse. I took my digital camera out and tried to take a picture. My lens zoomed in and out. It faded the moon into an unrecognizable ball and the flash went crazy. I finally turned my camera off and realized some things cannot be copied. So it was just eye candy for me. Later I begin to parallel this experience with God's Holy Word. The Bible is complete. It needs no revision or changes. The true Scriptures have endured centuries of people who’ve tried to change its content. But the Bible has survived down through the ages. It is God's work and it needs nothing else.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Pray for Angie Outlaw, creative access missionary, as she speaks at Tennessee's Cumberland District WAC retreat.

Daily Devotional Thursday 2-29-07

2007-03-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

The Flag

Psalm 60:4 "Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah!"

Today my husband and I took an old worn and torn American flag down from our pole in the front yard. We put up a new flag. It whipped and popped in the wind and flew with pride. We took the old flag and folded it up the way you’re supposed to when you are exchanging a flag. As we folded it up I knew that we were going to burn it, and this touched my heart. I wept as we folded the old flag with the respect it was due. We must carry our banner for the Lord everyday. Let’s fly this flag with pride. Jesus is the truth we exhibit when we carry His banner.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Obtain a FWBIM coin bank. Pray for pictured needs; fill with coins for the World Missions Offering. Encourage others in your family to contribute.

Daily Devotional Wednesday 3-28-07

2007-03-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

THAT OLD FEELING.

Ephesians 4:23 “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;”

A magnet I placed on my refrigerator said, “The more people I meet the more I love my dog.” How many of us have had that feeling in our lives? I know pastors’ wives who have withdrawn into a solitary life because of hurt feelings. I want to have more faith in people, but it will take a renewed mindset. We lose ground when folks have to prove themselves to us first, instead of us reaching out with a helping hand. We are not responsible for the way others feel about us or treat us. It is our responsibility to do God’s will and show an unloving and unkind world the love of God. Let’s pray for each other today that the Lord will send us a renewing of the spirit of our minds.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

New church planters, Tin and Angie Riggs and Jeremy and Jill Lightsey, need our prayers, financial support and encouragement.

Daily Devotional Monday 3-26-07

2007-03-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS

Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Most of us have relatives who were in the military. Some have even fought in wars. They go through rigorous training and are equipped with armor and other devices for self preservation.

Spiritual warfare is a different kind of battle and one we fight every day against the devil. He really wants to win the war and overturn us into sin. We must face each new day for the battle and be armed as the Bible tells us. 1) “..having your loins gird about with truth”, 2) “..having on the breastplate of righteousness”, 3) “..feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace”. 4) “..taking the shield of faith”, 5) “..take the helmet of salvation”, and 6) “..the sword of the spirit which is the word of God.” Now off to war. Put on your armor and claim the victory.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

WNAC's Creative Arts Contest Judges would appreciate your prayers as they score and comment on each entry.

Daily Devotional Friday 3-23-07

2007-03-23T07:01:00.000-07:00

Promises, Promises

Judges 11:30,31 "And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the Lord and said, if thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands, then it shall be, that whosoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surelly be the Lord's and I will offer it up for a burnt offering."

The Lord takes our promises and vows we make to Him very seriously. Have we kept the promises we have made to God? We must be very cautious in our prayers that we do not promise something we cannot give. The Lord would rather have our obedience than our promises.

Turn to Judges 11:32-35 and read the outcome of this passage.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Pray today for families of martyrs in persecuted churches around the world.

Daily Devotional Thursday 3-22-07

2007-03-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

Prosperity

Psalm 73:3 "For I was envious at the foolish when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."

One of the hardest things we have to endure is to watch the wicked prosper when it is a chore for us to pay a power bill or a mortgage payment with not enough left over to buy a McDonald's hamburger. It seems so unfair. We must keep in prospective the end for the wicked. We have our final destiny and it is more than we deserve. What we have in Jesus is so much more than a piece of jewelry or a new car. Our reward will be waiting for us in heaven. Let's keep our hearts and minds on the Lord and His love for us. Let's step back and see all we have as Christians. We have more than we can see or feel, and we have the things money cannot buy. We are wealthy through Jesus Christ the greatest gift of all.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

California state WAC meets in March. Why not visit in prayer?

Daily Devotional Tuesday 3-20-07

2007-03-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

From The Nest to the Branches

1 Corinthians 13:11 "When I was a child I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things."

Once, when we lived in Townsend, TN, there was a nest of blue jays in a tree next to our driveway. We watched them closely for quite awhile. You could hear them but not see them right away. Then you could see little yellow beaks rising out of the nest. Next we could see their little heads, and eventually they did come out of the nest and perch on the big branch next to their nest. At last they were old enough to leave the nest and fly with the big birds.

It was much like raising kids. We go through a process of taking care of our children just like this mother bird. Keeping them under our wings until they are able to leave. We have a huge responsibility to guide our children into the men and women the Lord wants them to be. They get their spiritual nourishment and growth in our homes. When it is the right time they will leave the nest. Now they can fly through life with the Lord.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Remember your church leadership in prayer today.

Daily Devotional Monday 3-19-07

2007-03-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

Don't Go Near The Water

Jonah 2:1 "Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly."

How many of us have been asked to carry out a task and say; "Well I'll have to think about it." These days the laborers are few and there needs to be an awakening of the things in our churches that need to be done. We know that God helps us through the things we do and equips us for the job. Sometimes we turn down opportunities when it is God's will that we do them. Jonah made a plea from the fish's belly: "But I will sacrifice unto thee with a voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed..." If we don't obey the Lord, we better stay away from the water.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Students and faculty of Altamira Bible Institute (MX) need our prayers.

Daily Devotional Sunday 3-18-07

2007-03-18T12:04:00.000-07:00

Focus On Christ

Focusing on Christ. It’s amazing how anxious thoughts, worries, complexities fade away the minute

I on purpose focus on the Word of God. I concentrate on the Word, pushing all other thoughts aside.

Then the peace I seek, I find. Casting all my cares on Him, because I know He cares for me. I have

an awesome, powerful Friend, that cares about me. He knows my name. He knows what I look like.

He knows what I like and don’t like. He knows what I need to grow in Him. "But speaking the truth

in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" (Ephesians 4:15). He

knows what will cause me to stumble and fall away from Him. He knows my breaking point. He

will push and push until the strain accomplishes His will and once again my focus is on Him and not

myself. He will stop pushing before He destroys me. He wants only what is best for me. What is

best for me will hurt. I will be tempted to sit down and have a pity party. If I do He will patiently

wait till it’s over and He can once again turn my attention back to Him. I am so grateful for a God

who loves me enough to never leave me to my own devices. I would destroy myself. Thank you,

Lord, I live and move and have my being in You. You are the Author and Finisher of my faith. My

focus is on You. "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." (2 Peter 3:18).

Tammy Miller
Boiling Springs, SC

PRAYER CORNER

Pray today for the future of WNAC ministries.

Daily Devotional Saturday 3-17-07

2007-03-17T11:54:00.000-07:00

Experiencing Christ

Experience Christ for Yourself. I have read many books by authors relating their triumphs in Christ.

I have read many devotionals, leading me to believe that person had truly experienced God. I

believed they knew God in a way so few Christians ever do in this life. Many are not willing to go

through the fire of discipline because it usually comes through sorrow. "And hereby we do know that

we know him, if we keep his commandments." (I John 2:3). I know myself for a long time as a

Christian I didn’t really want to get serious with God. I wanted the blessings, but I didn’t want God

to get rough with me. Thankfully, I have found that through the rough spots I experience the soft

hand of God leading the way. Through the turbulence I feel His steadying arm. He leads me through

the fire, but I am not burned. I want to know for myself that God will never leave nor forsake His

own. I want to know for myself that He is ever faithful. I want to know for myself that He is Light

when there’s darkness all around. I want to know for myself that He is the Answer when I have so

many questions. The only way to know, really know, is to experience Christ for myself. I can’t rely

on the devotions of others, as wonderful as they are. I want to jump into Christ and live by faith.

"And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know

him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God,

and eternal life." (I John 5:20). "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the

fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;" (Philippians 3:10). Have

you experienced Christ?

Tammy Miller
Boiling Springs, SC
****************************************

PRAYER CORNER

The third goal of Farther Still is "to see how praise and prayer go hand in hand." Are we seeing this?

Daily Devotional Friday 3-16-07

2007-03-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

Enjoy Today

Enjoy today. Tomorrow may come with troubles. Have joy in your heart today. "Happy is that

people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD." (Psalm 144:15).

Smile into the eyes of your loved one. Laugh at the antics of your children. Chuckle while your cat

tangles himself into a knot. Lean your head out the window of the car and let the wind blow your

hair. Take a walk in the brisk fall air to clean out

the cobwebs in your mind. Live and laugh. Be

happy today. Don’t borrow troubles of another day. Don’t let the joyous moments of today skip by

you unnoticed. They are there for your enjoyment. "For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands:

happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee." (Psalm 128:2). They are there for your

connection to your Creator. Look for Him in all moments of the day. Look for the messages he is

sending your way. He is sending messages of love all around you. Look for them and enjoy them

today.

Tammy Miller
Boiling Springs,SC
************************************************************************

PRAYER CORNER

Pray for Fwbbc trustees making campus relocation decisions.

Daily Devotional Thursday 3-15-07

2007-03-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

Belief

Believe! Such a powerful word. How powerful? "Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all

things are possible to him that believeth." (Mark 9:23). That’s power! If you and I can just believe

God and what He says, we will see and do amazing things. Simply believe. Such a simple thing,

yet so profoundly hard. Belief in Jesus Christ can set you on the road to eternal life as opposed to

the road of damnation. But, Jesus gives us power in this life, to ask what we wish and He will grant

them according to His will. All things are possible to me and you. He will bring it to pass. If you

believe. Do you believe?

Tammy Miller
Boiling Springs, SC

*********************************

PRAYER CORNER

Cote d'Ivoire remains politically unstable. Encourage and pray for missionaries: Pinkertons, Andersons, Morgans and Alice Smith.

Daily Devotional Saturday 2-24-07

2007-02-24T19:48:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-23T19:45:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-22T19:35:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-21T19:32:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-20T08:48:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-02-19T08:45:00.001-08:00

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

2007-02-19T08:45:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-18T08:44:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-17T08:42:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-16T08:40:00.001-08:00

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

2007-02-15T08:39:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-14T06:11:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-13T08:31:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-12T08:27:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-11T10:58:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-10T10:55:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-09T19:57:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-08T19:54:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-07T19:51:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-06T19:49:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-05T19:46:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-04T19:43:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-03T19:34:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-02T08:01:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-01T15:19:00.000-08:00

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?

Daily Devotional Wednesday 1-31-07

2007-01-31T15:15:00.000-08:00

Gems

Haggai 2:8

“The silver is mine and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.”

Last summer I went with my grandchildren to a gem mine. You are equipped with a sifter and a bag of rock, sand and occasionally a gemstone. You dip your sifter into the trough of water and it washes away the sand revealing either rocks or gems.

We are God’s gems but we let things dim the glow of gold that God wants to see in us. Today let’s sift away the things in our lives that make us lose our value and give God our best.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Our state and local leaders depend on our prayers—Romans 13:1-7

Daily Devotional Tuesday 1-30-07

2007-01-30T15:10:00.000-08:00

The Anchor

Hebrews 6:19

“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul; both sure and steadfast.”

These new cruise ships are enormous. The Royal Caribbean mega ships weigh 142,000 tons. The anchor weight must be great enough to resist the movement force of the vessel.

Hebrews 6:19 tells us that our ‘hope is the anchor of the soul‘. The strength of our hope decides the strength of our anchor that keeps our soul from drifting from the Lord.

Today let’s strengthen our hope so we can give our anchor the power to firmly hold fast our soul from the undercurrent of the things that so easily beset us.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

We need young women who will lead and be involved in local WAC groups. This is a major concern; let’s pray.

Daily Devotional Monday 1-29-07

2007-01-29T15:02:00.000-08:00

Light and Darkness

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

When we know a storm is coming we make preparations. One of the first things we do is make sure we have plenty of backup light. We check flashlights, candles and oil lamps. We do this because we do not like being in the dark.

One of the first things we do is make sure we have plenty of back up light.. We check flashlights, candles and oil lamps. We do this because we do not like being in the dark.

This world is full of dark places and the Lord is gracious to light our way. He lights our path and leads us in the direction we should go. His light never dims

and makes us feel safe and secure. His light is truly a gift.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…”

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

The effectiveness of Together With God will be determined by the prayers of its readers. Pray today for TWG writers.

Daily Devotional Sunday 1-28-07

2007-01-28T14:59:00.000-08:00

It Sure Is Cold!

Matthew 24:12 “And because iniquity abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”

My husband has always said the coldest he had ever been was at a Bengal’s game. The temperature was 12 degrees below zero and the seats were covered in ice.

I thought of my husbands experience and it caused me to wonder. How cold has my heart ever been? I stopped to pray and asked the Lord to keep my heart warm. I know that a cold heart can also be hardened and uncaring. Let’s pray for each other today that God would touch each one of us and torch the flames of love and kindness in our hearts. Then let us purpose to do something for someone—even if it is just a kind word.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Youth directors are a must in our churches. Encourage them through prayer.

Daily Devotional Saturday 1-27-07

2007-01-27T14:54:00.000-08:00

Hungry Birds

Psalm 104:12 “By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.”

Lately I have been feeding the birds. I picked out a spot in our front yard and toss a couple scoops of food on the ground. They are gathering in the branches outside the bedroom window and chirp until I appear outside with their food. I have noticed after they eat they sing and play.

The Lord has prepared our spiritual meal in His Holy Word. If we fill our hungry souls it will cause us to sing and have a happy warm feeling through the day. If you have that hungry empty feeling, pull up to God’s table and feast from His Word.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Retired missionaries are vital to our organization. Let’s keep them in our prayers.

Daily Devotional Friday 1-26-07

2007-01-24T18:09:00.000-08:00

Destination Heaven

Matthew 25:34 “Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of this world.”

How many times have you taken a trip and thought you would never get there? Necessary stops, road blocks, rain and other things can hinder travel and slow you down.

Dear Christian traveler, the trip to heaven is the dearest and sweetest journey we will take. Today, purpose not to let Satan rob you of the joy you can claim through our Lord. He will hinder the trip if we let him.

First, make sure every mile counts. Keep yourself replenished with the bread of life and the springs of living water. Claim the power of the Holy Spirit who will keep you fueled, and obey the road signs of life to keep you out of harms way. Last, read the holy road map and keep in touch with our blessed life guide everyday.
Destination: heaven.
Arrival time: at God’s calling.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER
A neighbor may need some encouragement. Will you be that encourager?

Daily Devotional Thursday 1-25-07

2007-01-24T18:07:00.000-08:00

The Broken Dish

Psalm 147:3 “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”

During our pastoral years a lot of my treasured things were broken. I kept hoping for a way to fix one thing—my grandmother’s dish. I talked to glass blowers and searched high and low for a mending agent that would hold the broken pieces together. A couple of years ago we were introduced to a glue with amazing holding power. Finally, after 30 years, my husband fixed grandmother’s dish. Although you can see the seams clearly, the dish could not be more beautiful to me.

Today, there are many souls whose hearts and lives are broken. They feel there is no hope for them and no one understands their broken hearts.

Alas, hope is here. Almighty God of heaven, the Healer, can mend your heart and life. He will bind your wounds and help you through your broken situations. Today, now, The Holy One is at your hearts door ready to mend your broken heart. Please know you are beautiful to Him.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER
Personnel in all branches of our military need continual prayer.

Daily Devotional Wednesday 1-24-07

2007-01-24T18:05:00.000-08:00

Love Letters

Deuteronomy 6:5
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

Tucked away in an old steam trunk are a handful of love letters from a young man to his sweetheart. The letters are faded and fragile but they contain his heart felt love for her. Each letter closes with these words, “I love you with all my heart, soul and might.” After 39 ½ years he still loves me with all his heart, soul and might.”

We have love letters from our heavenly Father. His love is expressed in Genesis through Revelation. Here are some of the words of love:

“But God who is rich in mercy for his great love wherewith he loved us.” Ephesians 2:4

“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love;” Jeremiah 31:3

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Today, find a favorite love letter and reaffirm your love for Him.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER
The Lord is good! Two home mission churches (Northwest FWB Church—David Potete, pastor and Desert Springs FWB —Jerry Rayburn, pastor) are now self-supporting works. Many other home mission churches will enter self-supporting status this year. Don’t stop praying; pray harder.

Daily Devotional Tuesday 1-23-07

2007-01-23T17:37:00.000-08:00

Psalm 115:1
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.

“It was nothing.”
”It’s good, if I do say so myself.”
“How did I do?”

How do you accept compliments or praise? What is the proper way to respond? Knowing God hates “a proud look,” yet desiring acceptance and appreciation for our efforts, most Christians find this a difficult dilemma.
In my college days, I attended a global missions conference. The attendance superceded all expectations. Overflowing meeting rooms and overcrowded accommodations could have thrown the college students steering the event. Instead, they rose to the challenge, and God challenged many young lives that weekend—mine included.
In the final service, the crowd gave the student committee leader a standing ovation. She came to the podium, and I will never forget her words. “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory.”
No other response deemed necessary, she returned to her seat. But the crowd remained standing for another spontaneous ovation to the LORD and for this humble servant.
I’ve never forgotten this. Each time I read through the Psalms, I’m challenged to consider my responses to praise. Do I seize the glory, or do I humbly direct it to the LORD, who equips and enables me? Is it about accomplishment or about mercy and truth?

O LORD, may we honor Your name and give You glory, today. Amen.

PRAYER CORNER

Many adult children who’ve assumed the role of caregiver for aged parents would appreciate your prayers today.

Daily Devotional Monday 1-22-07

2007-01-21T20:39:00.000-08:00

Psalm 104:24
O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

Awed by the vastness and variety of God’s creation, the psalmist exclaimed, “O Lord, how manifold are thy works.”

I’m awed, too, as I consider God’s creative abilities. He established order in the sun, moon and stars, revolution and rotation, day and night. Yet each night, the moon looks different. Clouds transform before our eyes. No two snowflakes are alike. Every human is an individual masterpiece.

Variety. I love unique, creative, one-of-a-kinds. Routine has its place and sameness is good, but thank God for variety. God’s penchant for variety fuels my creative spirit—not only to fashion beauty through paint or pen, but also to recognize the unique and beautiful qualities He places in each person.

Lord, may we remain awed in the variety and fullness of Your riches here on earth and appreciative of Your handiwork in those with whom we interact today.

Prayer Corner

Pray today for Marjorie Workman as she leads WNAC ministries.
(She and eight other Women Active for Christ returned to the USA yesterday after a jam-packed, emotional 10-day trip, delivering Christmas Joy gifts to children in Central Asia. Ask God to give each one strength, rest and deliverance from jet lag and exhaustion.)

Daily Devotional Sunday 1-21-07

2007-01-21T20:38:00.000-08:00

Psalm 111:1

Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

“I love the thrill that I feel when I get together with God’s wonderful people….” I remember singing that song as a young teen at youth camp. Yet, reading this Psalm, I’m reminded that the thrill comes not from merely getting together with God’s wonderful people, but from corporate whole heart worship.

Whole heart worship can only come from hearts willing to confess wrong thoughts and attitudes and deliberately avoid distractions.

Whole heart worship involves focusing all our thoughts, attention and adoration on the Holy One. It’s worship with abandon.

Whole heart worship happens not by chance but by choice. Choosing to listen, to participate, to offer a gift of praise to a great and gracious God who’s given us life abundant and eternal.

God inhabits the praise of His people. When an assembly or congregation of His people join together in praise, His holy presence descends and His power is displayed.

May we offer total praise to God in whole-hearted worship today.

Prayer Corner

Let’s back the talented musicians in our churches with our prayers and participation.

Daily Devotional Saturday 1-20-07

2007-01-16T19:10:00.000-08:00

YESTERDAY’S BAD START

Colossians 1:28
“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”

Have you ever had a day that started out so bad, you were ready to give up by noon? Usually a bad day starts with no Bible reading and less prayer. This is a good day for Satan. He moves in on our weakness and will eventually have control of our temper and tongues.

I am so thankful for road signs; ‘slippery when wet’, ‘traffic merges into left lane’, ‘beware of sudden stops’. God’s Word is our road sign for the day. His precious Word enables us to have the knowledge of dangers in this sinful world we live. When we are aware of snares we can be ready to meet them head on today. Let our prayer for the day cover us in His protection and guidance. If we read the signs and obey them there will be no bad starts—yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

Daily Devotional Friday 1-19-07

2007-01-16T19:09:00.000-08:00

WHAT IS MY BEST DAY?

Psalm 118:24
“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Several months ago my son, who is losing his sight, called to inform me of his latest doctors visit. I got weepy on him, and he said to me, “Mom if I lose all my sight tomorrow my best day is yet to come.”

Since then I have wondered what my best day will be. It took great faith for my son to trust the Lord in and for his best day. I concluded that my best day lies in the hands of the Lord. But what can I do to assist in making a best day?

My recipe for a best day is to wake up each morning and let the Lord show us through His Word many, many sources of best day ingredients. Let Him show us the wonderful gifts that can make anyone’s day a best day. Then we bow in thanksgiving for the best day He is about to give us, and we start all over tomorrow. Our best days are unlimited in the realm of God’s wonderful love for us.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

Daily Devotional Thursday 1-18-07

2007-01-16T19:07:00.000-08:00

SNOW DAYS

Psalm 55:10
“For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater.”

Isaiah 1:18a
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”

There is nothing more beautiful than a fresh snow, covering the earth like a blanket. The small wisps of flakes glisten in the moonlight as they fall on the soft new covering. Every portion of God’s creation has a purpose; the sun, the moon, the rain and the snow. We, God’s special creation, have a purpose. We are to shine like the sun before mankind to show them the warmth of His love. We are to light the nights dark path like the moon, to show His lost ones the way. We are to quench the thirst of sinners with the water of Life like the rain. And, like the snow, develop purity in our lives to show the “Whiter than snow..” presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

Daily Devotional Wednesday 1-17-07

2007-01-16T19:04:00.000-08:00

NOT A WORD

Psalm 139:4
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.

We, as humans, will say an off-color word, an idle word, or curse word, and then look around to see who heard us. People will do things around Christians, then apologize for it. But the one who really counts already knows what we’re thinking, knows and hears what we say. “O be careful little mouth what you say; for the Father up above is looking down in love.”

May we pray as the Psalmist states in 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Linda Harvey
Arizona

Daily Devotional Tuesday 1-16-07

2007-01-16T11:32:00.000-08:00

OUR FATHER’S POWER

2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

I watched a fantasy movie on Disney Channel about twin girls, who on the day of their birth, were given their Father’s power and then he was killed. The twin babies were separated and lived in a different world from their mother. Meeting on their 21st birthday, they began to realize they were twin sisters and soon discovered they had their father’s power and were the only ones who could save their birth mother in her land.

I went to bed thinking, if only I, as a Christian, Had the POWER---what all could be done for God’s Kingdom. Then another thought came quickly: I do have my Father’s power: “But ye shall receive POWER, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8

May we, in 2007, as our Father’s children, seek His face, repent, and USE OUR FATHER’S POWER to see a lost world come to Christ.

Linda Harvey
Arizona

Daily Devotional Thursday 1-4-07

2006-12-30T16:57:00.000-08:00

REFLECTIONS ON PSALM 20

The Lord hears in the day of trouble and comes to the rescue (v. 1, 6b) This chapter tells us several things that He does—
1. (v. 1)God defends you—“ the Name of the God of Jacob (who was showered with much affection from God) defend thee. The word defend can mean “set you securely on high.”
Verse eight also has this idea: “we are risen, and stand upright.”
In time of trouble, God makes it possible for you not to collapse or buckle, but be found standing when those around would fall.

2. (v. 2) God sends help from the sanctuary. The throne room of God is the control-center of the universe. From there the help is prescribed.

3. (v. 2) God strengthens thee out of Zion. v. 6-7 God gives saving strength. (Why trust in chariots or in horses? They are not strong enough for real trouble.) Zion is another word for God’s control tower. There is no greater power port.

4. (v. 3) God remembers and accepts your sacrifice and offerings. God keeps the most accurate records of what you have in faith and love done for Him!

5. (v. 4) God grants your heart’s desire and fulfills your counsel. Psalm 37:4, 5 declares, “Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart, commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it—bring it to pass) God gives security. Your heart need not tremble, be anxious, fret, or worry.
6. (v. 5, 6, 9) God fulfils all thy petitions, He hears from His holy heaven—He saves. Salvation is not only from sin, but from distress or defeat or desperation.

Rebecca Pugh
Tennessee

Prayer Corner:

James Forlines, FWB International Missions director needs our prayers.

Daily Devotional Wednesday 1-3-07

2006-12-30T16:52:00.000-08:00

“WALK WORTHY OF THE LORD”

Colossians 1:10 is part of Paul’s prayer for the Colossian believers.
When we walk worthy of the Lord we fulfill two things:

1. We live (or walk) to please the Lord.

Jesus said, “I do those things that please the Father.” This was most clearly seen in His obedience to God’s will for His life. (“Not my will, but Thine be done.”)
Jeremiah 7:23 says,“Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.”

2. We live to up our potential in the Lord.

---“being fruitful in every good work” Every woman wants to be productive and effective. This is the key. As we live to please our Heavenly Father, He fills in the gaps of our inadequacies and miraculously energizes our work with goodness and fruitfulness. There is no human explanation for this phenomenon.

---“increasing in the knowledge of God” There is nothing greater than to develop and grow in knowing God Himself. Jesus said in John 17:3, “This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way. When we do His good will, He abides with us still… (“Trust and Obey”)

Rebecca Pugh
Tennessee

Prayer Corner:

Farther Still studies on prayer by Lorene Miley is a must for this year.

Daily Devotional Tuesday 1-2-07

2006-12-30T16:48:00.000-08:00

MARY KNEW THE WORD

Luke 1:46-55

The song of Mary, the Magnificent, gives insight into why God chose this young girl of Galilee to be the mother of His Son. She knew the Word.

In her moment of joy, she sang Scripture. Glance at this passage in any cross-reference Bible and you’ll find references to several Psalms and other Old Testament books. These weren’t just the lyrics of a popular praise song of her day. Mary’s song was obvious overflow from her own heart.

Even in our churches today, the number of teen girls who’ve memorized Scripture and can apply truths and principles to their own situation is slim. But in Mary’s day, it was probably even more unusual.

In this Mideastern, male-dominated society, where women did not formally study the Scripture, and only worshiped from a distance, Mary somehow gained a grasp on God’s promises. How was she able to do this?

Credit her upbringing. No doubt, she was taught by someone. What a humbling yet rewarding responsibility we accept as parents, seeking to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Credit her character. Some children and youth are just more sensitive and attuned to spiritual things. Mary was certainly one of these individuals.

Credit her faith. Mary’s belief was genuine and deep. She “kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”

May the example of Mary challenge us to internalize the Word, to apply its truths to every situation, and to know a faith so deep and true that songs of praise overflow from our hearts and remain on our lips.

Sarah Fletcher
Tennessee

Prayer Corner:

The future of WNAC (Women Nationally Active for Christ) ministries will be bright as we pray for its success.

Daily Devotional Monday 1-1-07

2006-12-30T16:39:00.001-08:00

POWERFUL WORDS

Luke 1:37
“For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

The angel appeared to the young girl, Mary, proclaiming her as “blessed and highly favoured” by God. She would bear a son, the promised Messiah. When Mary earnestly questioned the how of this happening, Gabriel described the supernatural process in which the Spirit of God would come over her and the power of the Highest would overshadow her, impregnating her with the Christ.

Then the angel stilled her fearful, questioning heart with this pronouncement, “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (literally: not any word from God is without power.)*

Every word from God is power-packed, spoken with omnipotent authority. What He says, He will powerfully accomplish. What a comfort for Mary. What a comfort for us today.

Knowing that God’s words—all of them—are laced with power, assures that we should not let our heart be troubled. We can come to Him, knowing we will find rest for our souls. We can trust that if we abide in Him and His words—those powerful words—abide in us, we can simply ask and it will be done.

Mary responded in humble obedience. May we do the same, as we hear and read and internalize His powerful words.

Sarah Fletcher
Tennessee

*Life Principles from the Women of the Bible, Book 1 by Wayne Barber, Eddie Rasnake and Richard Shepherd. AMG Publishers. p. 164.

Prayer Corner:

Let's begin 2007 by committing to read God's Word and pray each day.

Daily Devotional Monday 1-1-07

2006-12-30T16:39:00.000-08:00

Daily Devotional Sunday 12-31-06

2006-12-30T16:37:00.000-08:00

HIS NAME IS NEAR

“Unto thee, O God do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks, for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.

“and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God…. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us…

“…The Word is [near] thee, even in thy mouth and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach.

Draw [near] to God and he will draw [near] to you…

But it is good for me to draw near to God. I have put my trust in the LORD God, that I may declare all thy works.

(Psalm 75:1; Matthew 1:23; John 1:1,14; Romans 10:8; James 4:8; Psalm 73:28)

God’s name is near. He is with us. He dwelt among us. He comes to dwell within us as we believe through faith that Christ died and was raised from the dead. We ever desire His nearness—a nearness He calls us to declare to a world, still distant and distraught.

Rejoice today in Immanuel. Draw near to the God whose name is near. Declare His wondrous works to those around you this Christmas.

—Sarah Fletcher, Tennessee

Daily Devotional Saturday 12-30-06

2006-12-30T16:34:00.000-08:00

HOW LONG?

Psalm 74

How long? Innocent, excited children count the days until they can claim the gifts under the tree.

How long? A family struggles to make ends meet, living from paycheck to paycheck with lean times in between.

How long? A friend endures chemotherapy, wondering when life and health and hair will return.

How long? A couple face days with ambivalence, joyful that a son is in rehab, reticent yet hopeful that he will complete the program and stay clean.

How long? Aging parents live in limbo, homeless, awaiting permits and progress on a new residence nearer children and grandchildren.

How long? A widow grieves for the husband she buried Thanksgiving weekend, imploring when she will feel whole again?

How long? Church members wait by a hospital bedside, pleading for a man left unconscious from a wreck days ago.

How long? The psalmist Asaph asked that same question. He declared, “We see not our signs, there is no more any prophet; neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.

Asaph consoled his doubts with this affirmation: “For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.”

Imagine the “how longs” in the years immediately prior to the birth of Christ. For 400 years, it seemed God was silent. No prophet spoke. No new promise or sign was given.

Yet a young girl in Galilee named Mary still hoped and believed and rejoiced declaring, “he hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy. Yes, God was working salvation, awaiting the fullness of time when He would send His Son to earth. God promises; He fulfills; He knows how long.

Whatever our struggle, our longing or our need, Lord, give us hope and strength to trust in You, no matter how long.

Sarah Fletcher
Tennessee

Daily Devotional Saturday 12-23-06

2006-12-16T13:23:00.000-08:00

Deliverance

When circumstances overwhelm us,

We feel our faith in God is waning,

Think again. Faith is still alive, and God does respond to it, though in ways we may not recognize immediately.

Daniel 6:16 God whom thou servest continually, He will deliver you.

Daniel 6:26-27 He is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and His kingdom shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and He worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth.

Deliverance may come in the form of a lower utility bill: You had only enough to cover the bill, but an unexpected offering was taken at church and you in faith put in a $20 out of the "utility bill envelope."

Deliverance may come in the form of a card: You're seemingly drowning in responsibilities, chores, and commitments, and yes, monthly hormones are peaking out. But God has gently nudged a friend to send you a card reminding you of her prayers for you. Amazing strength flows through that paper.

Deliverance may come from a little eight year old who says "Mommy, I love you" and gives a big hug! When the days are dreary, the long nights weary, I know our Savior cares.

Deliverance may come from a hidden can at the back of the pantry you forgot you had, but it's just what is needed for tonight's supper.

Deliverance is relief God's sends to aid His children.

-Rebecca Pugh

Tennessee

Daily Devotional Friday 12-22-06

2006-12-16T13:20:00.000-08:00

Have a Mary Christmas

Luke 10:42

"But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

My husband called me Martha. I bristled at the name as I retorted, "I'm not a Martha; I'm a Mary, well, maybe a mixture of the two." Our pastor had just preached a sermon about having a Mary Christmas rather than a Martha one. Truth is I am more of a Martha than I'd like to be and a lot less of a Mary than I wish to be. I accepted my pastor's challenge for the holiday season; choose to be a Mary and sit at the feet of Jesus. Soak in the glorious truth that Christmas is God with us.

In the Luke 10 story, Jesus commended Mary for desiring to sit at his feet rather than bustling about with much ado about nothing. Christmas is a busy season for all of us and especially for those who like to cook, decorate, send cards, attend Christmas programs and social activities, plus work a full-time job. With such busyness, a Martha complex comes easily. We, like Martha, get frustrated with co-workers, church sisters and even family when we are so intent on taking care of every minute detail rather than choosing to enjoy the wonder of Christmas.

What have I done to make this Christmas a Mary one? I'm reading through the book of John and meditating on the life of Jesus. I'm paying attention to the words of Jesus and applying His teachings to my daily activities. I'm consciously trying to be a light to those I meet while shopping. I'm smiling and saying kind things to public servants. I'm trying to be patient with family and friends when things do not necessarily go my way. You know, it's a lot more fun being a Mary. Why don't you try having a Mary Christmas?

Marjorie Workman

Tennessee

Daily Devotional Thursday 12-21-06

2006-12-16T13:17:00.000-08:00

Mary's Thoughts

Luke 2:19

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."

The pain of birth is past and gone,

As I behold my firstborn Son

So small He is, and yet so dear,

I wipe away a joyful tear.

He sleeps: His tiny fists enclose

A tattered edge of swaddling clothes.

The manger filled with pungent hay,

The slight smell of cattle drifts slowly away.

A miracle, this Son of mine

So human: and yet so clearly divine:

Begotten of God to become a man,

The culmination of God's great plan.

But to me, He is just a baby boy,

A mother's pride; a mother's joy.

He's restless in his makeshift nest,

So I clasp Him snugly to my breast.

And as the hours move swiftly past,

I cherish each moment, to make it last,

Knowing that soon my helpless Son

Will face His task that must be done.

"His name will be Jesus," the angel said.

A Savior, the word fills me with dread.

For I know there must be a terrible cost

Involved in saving people who are lost.

The shepherds come from nearby hills,

Their simple story is full of thrills,

The angel of the Lord appeared,

Instilling trust, eschewing fear.

To tell good tidings of greatest joy

About my Son, my baby boy.

Savior was the angel's word.

"A Savior which is Christ the Lord."

He makes no sound as they come near,

Just stretches and yawns in lack of fear.

I watch them worship at His feet,

And ponder the mysteries of God so deep.

A God that could send His only Son,

Born of a woman: a lowly one.

My soul doth magnify the Lord,

My spirit rejoices in His word.

As I look down on His angelic face,

I'm thankful for God's great mercy and grace.

And whatever shadows tomorrow may come,

Today I rejoice in the birth of my Son.

Joan Warren

Oklahoma

Daily Devotional Wednesday 12-20-06

2006-12-16T13:15:00.000-08:00

Chariot of Salvation

Acts 8:29

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near and join thyself to this chariot.

During my study in Acts 8:26-41 about the Ethiopian Eunuch and Philip, I was also reading in Habakkuk and ran across this term "chariots of salvation." Habakkuk 3:8 uses the term "chariots of salvation" referring to God's symbolic instruments of victory, help, and strength.

Certainly, the Ethiopian Eunuch was riding in a chariot that was his "chariot of salvation." For in that place there was help for his soul from God's Word!

It made all the difference for him! It changed him! He went on his way rejoicing (v. 39)

Likewise, when we sit with God's Word open and our hearts in faith seek to know the truth, we are figuratively sitting in a "chariot of salvation." For in that place, God dispenses help through His quick and powerful Word for whatever our need. As a bonus, joy, a fruit of the Spirit, comes.

Rebecca Pugh

Tennessee

Daily Devotional Tuesday 12-19-06

2006-12-16T13:12:00.000-08:00

STAND AND SEE

Exodus 14:13

"Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show (accomplish for) you today."

Do we see what God is doing? Are we aware of His magnificent glory in our lives? Are we bowed down in adoration or just bowed down in self-pity?

The songwriter's words are "I'm rejoicing night and day, as I walk the pilgrim way, for the hand of God in all my life I see!"

Why should I be discouraged? Why should the shadows stay?

God's Word is alive; it is real; it is truth.

God speaks to us saying not to be afraid.

He is busy on our behalf. Are we looking? Are we seeing? Are we watching?

Rebecca Pugh

Tennessee

Daily Devotional Monday 12-18-06

2006-12-16T13:09:00.000-08:00

UNWRAP THE GIFT

Luke 2:7

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was not room for them in the inn.

When God gave His gift to Mary, she wrapped him in swaddling clothes.

Shepherds came from the field and found the stable just as the angels had told them. And Mary surely unwrapped God's gift so they might look upon the infant child.

No doubt, Mary unwrapped her gift for the wise men who'd traveled from distant lands. When they saw the Christ child, this gift of God's love, they changed their plans and took a new way.

As Simeon took the babe in his arms to bless Him at the Temple, this gift was unwrapped again. Mary shared her gift with others.

Some years later, Herod and his men of war wrapped this same gift in a gorgeous robe as they mocked and persecuted Jesus at His trial. Solders then unwrapped the gift and placed HIm on a cross, lifted up before the world.

The gift was wrapped again by Joseph of Arimathea, who laid the crucified Christ in his own tomb. When Mary and other women came to unwrap the gift, to prepare Him for burial, they found the wrappings. The gift was not there.

God gave His Son so we could receive the gift of eternal life. Have you received this gift and unwrapped it? What are you doing with this gift? Has the gift been placed on the shelf of your life? Was it scattered among the wrappings and tossed aside? Or is it still as precious as the day you received it?

Unwrap the gift. Share Christ this Christmas.

adapted from an article by

Gladys Tonkin

Virginia