Treasure Issue for October - December

Women Fulfill

BIBLE STUDIES

moves in many ways. See how God works in the life of Rehab to impact the friends and family around her.

a deep dive into the life of the wom an caught in adultery and see how God can change your life.

God intervenes, He changes many lives. Take a look at some of the examples

Scripture showing God’s changing

IN EVERY ISSUE

Thoughts From Amy

a look at what is coming next in 2023!

TREASURE

ISSN 8960038

11, Number 4

Editorial Staff

York, Editor-in-Chief

Matlock, Design

WNAC Board

does it mean to really be thankful?

the Scenes

and Samuel Riggs update us on

daily life and ministry in Spain.

Goodness of God.

Amy Johnson, Illinois Sharon Dickey, Texas Jonda Patton, Kentucky Sarah Sargent, Ohio Tracy Payne, Oklahoma LeeAnn Wilfong, Missouri Khristi Shores, Oklahoma Jessica Edwards, Tennessee Katie Postlewaite, South Carolina

Contributors

produced quarterly by Women Nationally Active for Christ of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, Inc., 5233 Mount View Road, Antioch, TN 37013-2306. Copyright privileges reserved. A 2022 Member of Evangelical Press Association.

questions or comments

PO Box 5002,

TN 37011-5002

Lauren Riggs, Japan Amy Johnson, Illinois Sarah Sargent, Ohio Jessica Musetti, Ohio Mark Musetti, Ohio Margie, Patton, Missouri Carol Reid, Tennessee Joy Corn, Tennessee Diana Bryant, Florida

About the Colunnist:

Amy Johnson chairs the WNAC board of directors. She is head of accounting at Stark Enterprises, a Michigan-based general contracting company. Amy graduated from Welch College in 1998 with a B.S. in Business Administration. She is a member of Calvary FWB Church in Salem, Illinois, where her husband Harlen pastors. Amy enjoys women’s ministry, working with children, and being outdoors.

Thoughts From Amy

BY AMY JOHNSON

As we wrap up our 2022 Treasure theme, “When God Intervenes,” we have read how lives were changed because of God’s intervention. Many of us can share stories of how and when God intervened in our own lives. As you have walked through these studies looking at various women in the Bible, I hope it has helped, encouraged, and uplifted you. To see that God has a purpose and a plan for you. To see if we give our little to God, He can do much. To see that God sees and God cares.

In our own FWB Women’s Ministry, we have seen God intervene many times. This year we witnessed God’s hand as He touched Phyllis York during her bout with thyroid cancer.

And we see God intervening as the McDonalds finish their ministry in Japan to come stateside to new ministry roles. We know God’s blessings will continue to be on Ruth and the future of WNAC as she becomes the seventh executive director of FWB Women’s Ministry. At the National Convention in Birmingham, Alabama, we listened as Shannon Little shared God’s interven tion and interruptions in her life on and off the mission field.

As this year concludes and we look back, how have you seen God intervene in your life? At the beginning of the year, I asked a few questions in this col umn, and l wonder how one would answer them now, nearly 12 months lat er. Have you been looking for God to intervene? Was there a struggle in your life you can now claim victory? Perhaps one of the studies motivated you to dig deeper into God’s Word. As you have been encouraged by these studies, I hope you have also been challenged. Maybe ask yourself, “How can God use me to intervene in someone else’s life?”

Our Bible studies for 2023 will focus on “Faith in Culture.” We will look at various examples in Scripture and explore how we can apply principles from those passages to our lives today. May you seek Him daily, striving to live better today than you did yesterday and to live tomorrow better than you did today.

We experienced God’s hand as He directed the Board to contact Ruth McDonald for our new director.

A Dream Deferred: Overcoming Satan’s Lies to the Childless

BY Mark Musetti

FUSIONext (Winter 2020-2021)

Randall House D6 Curriculum

I’m not proud to admit that we have avoided numerous Mother’s and Father’s Day church services. My wife still ducks into the bathroom and cries after the newborns have been proudly passed around the sanctuary. And with a stiff upper lip, I choke back years of sorrow, dutifully trading them in for a half-hearted smile and a dream deferred as God’s attributes somehow escape me.

Before I accepted Christ, I suffered from a crippling OCD in a futile attempt to control my relationship with God. In fearing His condemnation and wrath in my failures, I viewed His actions as capricious, often using me for His amusement. As a new believer, I struggled to break free from the notion that “God’s will” was just another way to explain creating order from chaos. And it was deemed acceptable based on an omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent God that answers our prayers according to His will (1 John 5:14-15).

Another challenge I encountered upon immersing myself in God’s Word was in understanding the nature of His promises to His people. Shortly after we were married, we learned that without the Lord’s divine intervention, biological children wouldn’t be a possibility. My wife was inconsolable, and though I looked to Psalm 127:3-5 for comfort, I felt useless, unworthy, and quiverless. In my misconception of the same god that I feared growing up, I couldn’t understand why an egregious sinner like King Solomon would be blessed with so many children while we had none. I even tried to bargain with God in a selfish attempt to set aside my own sin.

But from learning the origins of sin through the Fall (Genesis 3), along with the principal characters and their attributes, Eden’s perfection was forever changed into a world where earthly blessings weren’t a direct result of godly living. And our roles haven’t changed. God is the rule maker, Satan is the liar and deceiver, and we, through Adam and Eve, are the transgressors. God’s promises of blessings through childbirth were conditional upon the Israelites’ obedience to the Law (Deuteronomy 7:12–14). When they rejected Him and His prophets, the Lord ultimately withheld His blessings from them. Even today, we are outraged at the wicked whom God has given the hope of children, only to allow them to give into their evil desires by rejecting the very ones living inside of them.

We know that Satan is the author and father of lies, because there is no truth in him (John 8:44). A preacher once taught me that if Satan owned a hardware store, he’d only need to sell one tool, discouragement, to do his hand

iwork. His greatest weapon forged against us when we are under spiritual attack, he strikes repeatedly against the weakest portion of our armor for max imum damage, whether it be our faith, our lack of understanding of God’s Word, or our inability to have peace and joy in spite of our circumstances. Unfortunately, Satan delights in using others to frustrate us despite their best intentions. After learn ing to forgive those who have hurt me, my joy and peace have far exceeded my grief. And through daily devotion to Scripture and prayer, God has helped me recognize certain lies that Satan tells us. By provid ing wisdom and encouragement to the single and the infertile, we can both rebuke the devil’s words of torment and disciple others in spiritual adoption.

OVERCOMING SATAN’S LIES WITH A GODLY ATTITUDE

Lie #1. “You have the right to demand children from God, or else.”

How far will we go to have children, even if it means not trusting in the sanctity of marriage or in the one true God?

However, we were all born from Adam’s sin, and its

consequences apply equally to us all. Choosing to admonish God for not getting what we desire, simply put, does not honor Him (Psalm 37:4). Our lack of un derstanding doesn’t give us the right to issue Him an ultimatum or to even be entitled to a response (Job 38:2). Nevertheless, He hurts when we hurt. After all, we are His greatest creation.

By channeling our pain into something positive, such as creating a blog, leading a writers’ group, or joining a Bible study for similar couples, you may find solace after seeking comfort from years of feeling alone. In addition, opening these groups to those outside the church can provide a means for sharing our faith in the midst of trials, allowing for an open door to Christ.

Quiverless excerpts from a poem by Mark Musetti

“I could break the unbreakable vow and give my self unto another for my Ishmael, for a half-blood ed prince is better than no heir at all.”

“Must I make offerings to Baal and Asherah and stand them up as my bedpost idols in despera tion to contend with the One who has cursed us?”

Her Bible, warped from years of salty tears and mottled from last night’s prayers. read like a trea sure map to her tormented soul.

Lie #2. “You aren’t worthy to serve in God’s Kingdom”

We are worthy to serve God by His grace and mercy through salvation. These essential attributes are freely given to all of His saints. Even before we were born (Psalm 139:13, Jeremiah 1:5), He knew our value as an uncle, an aunt, a spiritual mentor, or a Sunday school teacher. Each Christian plays a distinct and vital role in God’s Kingdom (1 Corinthians 12:14–20), and only Satan, the great accuser, would dare use his deceitful logic to call believers unworthy. For instance, Satan had fully convinced me in my weakest moments that God “knew” I would be a bad father, reminding me daily how I had been told in my home church that I couldn’t participate in teen events because I had no children of my own. But serving is neither a passive response to the Lord’s calling nor a choice: we are actively commanded to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19) according to the talents with which we have been blessed, no matter the obstacles set before us.

Lie #3. “You lack faith, and you need to pray harder”

There are some in the church who, through their encouragement, unknowingly make the childless feel even more betrayed and unfulfilled. Here is a small sampling of “helpful suggestions” we have heard over the past 10 years:

• “You’ll be the next to have a child (did we reg ister for a baby lottery?).”

• “I understand. Infertility was the hardest (one or two) year(s) of my life.”

• “You just need to pray more.”

A biblical approach to the discipline of prayer will al ways yield great fruit, even if the answer is “no” or “not now.” Passionate prayer is a must (James 5:16) and our faith must be strong enough to believe in God’s awe some power (Matthew 17:20). But I lacked peace over our situation until I gave the Lord permission to search me, break me, and use me wherever, whenever, and however He wished (Psalm 139:23), even if that meant never having biological children.

Measuring Our Impact, One Child at a Time

Granting God access to even the most painful parts of my life has transformed me from a victim to a victor, allowing me to raise up the next generation in Christ. This is our collective responsibility as the Church, whether single or married, children or not. And we are all entrusted to all children under God’s care. My wife and I have been blessed with a four-year-old nephew who, though not related by blood, will never know the difference. Conner has spent most of his life seeing his Aunt Jess play the piano for Jesus, praying at Sunday School with Miss Lauren, and telling his daddy to come to church with him. When we temporarily stopped meeting for worship in the sanctuary, he told his grandma that he was sad “because we can’t go to church no more.” I assure you; more is caught than taught.

Mark Musetti and his wife Jessica worship at the Wester ville FWB Church in Ohio. He has worked as a teacher, tutor, and chemist. Though not blessed with biological chil dren, the Lord has used him through his experiences with students to write numerous pieces, including the Christian teen novel, A Friendship Tested (2016).

Rahab: Failure to Family

BY Margie Patton

Background Scripture: Joshua 2:1-21; Joshua 6:17-18, 22-23, 25

Key Scripture:Joshua 6:25; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25

No one in the Bible better exemplifies

1 Corinthians 5:17 than Rahab. Her transition from failure to family was life-changing for her, her family members, the nation of Israel, and, through her descendants, the world. The Bible, from Joshua to James, shows her transformation was decisive, influential, and faith-based.

The wanderers known as the children of Israel were amid profound change. They were finally about to enter and conquer the land God had promised their forefathers many years before. God had made them a great (populous) nation; now He was about to give them their land. God had commissioned Joshua to lead the people into Canaan. The first hurdle they faced was the mighty city of Jericho.

Jericho was one of the oldest and most well-fortified cities in the world. Its walls were 20 to 30 feet thick with strong gates, whose inhabitants were wicked and cruel idolaters. The city had not only to be taken, but also utterly wiped out. Joshua sent spies to see first-hand what they could expect to face in Jericho. He must have thought back to 40 years earlier when

Moses sent him, Caleb, and ten other men on a spying mission. Joshua opted to send only two men. Did he remember how difficult it was for twelve to agree? Perhaps he knew this mission needed the stealth and speed that only two men could achieve. The Bible doesn’t tell us the names of these two men, but they must have had Joshua’s complete trust. Their objec tive was to view the land, especially Jericho.

We don’t know all the places the spies went, but we do know where they ended up—the house of Rahab, “... and they went, and came into an harlot’s house, named Rahab, and lodged there” (Joshua 2:lc). Many scholars believe her house served as an inn, so it made sense that they “lodged” there. I do not believe the spies came to her house because she was a prosti tute, but because she was an innkeeper. Perhaps their arrival was part of their strategic plan. Indeed, it was part of God’s providential plan. If indeed her house was an inn, much like the roadside inns in the early days of our country, or an English village pub even today, it would provide the spies with lodging and a hot meal. Even more importantly, the inn offered a

As soon as the men departed, Rahab lost no time fastening the cord out the window.

place where they would be inconspicuous and would blend in with the other strangers there. Also, they could hear what the locals and travelers were say ing about the threat of the Israelites and their God. Rumors, as well as facts, were circulating and spreading fear. The Bible says the people were fainting or melting because of fear (Joshua 2:9b, 11). The spies had already discovered how the city was laid out and knew Rahab’s house was built into the city wall, thus, providing a quick escape plan. No doubt, God led them to this house where they would find every thing and everyone necessary to make their mission succeed. God could have provided another way and a more “respectable” ally, but in His great mercy and love, He wanted to provide salvation for this wom an, Rahab. Apparently, she had already been seeking another way of life, wanting something more. God knew she would respond to the opportunity to leave her life of prostitution and idolatry for the new beginning, the clean slate only God offers.

We don’t know what occurred that evening at Ra hab’s place, but someone realized these two travelers were Israelite spies and reported it to the king. Some how Rahab managed to slip the spies up to the roof of her house and conceal them under the flax before the king’s men arrived at her home. When the soldiers ordered her to bring the men out, she told them a persuasive lie. Oh, yes, they had been there all right, but they were already gone. If they hurried, they might be able to catch them. Perhaps she was wellknown to the king’s men. A prostitute/innkeeper was a respected member of the community in Jericho. At any rate, the soldiers believed her, and the Bible does not indicate they even bothered to search her house before dashing out to chase down the spies.

As soon as the pursuers were far from the city, and the city gates were closed and barred for the night, Rahab went to the roof and spoke with the men whose lives she had just saved. Her decision to side with the Israelites was not a whim based solely on what she had seen of the two men. She was well-in formed about the Israelites and their powerful, pro

tective, providing God. She had experienced enough of Jericho’s wicked, pagan, empty culture and wanted something better, something personal, something on which to build her life. Rahab was probably very accustomed to making deals. She told the spies that since she had helped them (saved their lives, in fact!), they could repay her by saving her and her family when they invaded the city.

The men were grateful to Rahab for her protection and advice. They pledged to her that, “... when the Lord hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with you” (Joshua 2:14b). If she tied the scarlet cord in the window through which they were about to escape and gathered all her family into the house, they would all be saved. As soon as the men departed, Rahab lost no time fastening the cord out the window. She probably checked often to make sure it was securely tied!

The days of waiting must have seemed long to Rahab and her family. Perhaps they were puzzled during the seven days the Israelites marched around Jericho. I wonder if she watched them out the window where the scarlet cord hung. Those days, she clung to the promises the spies had made to her. Her heart did not melt with fear but sang with anticipation!

On that seventh day, the day of Jericho’s destruction, Joshua fulfilled the promises of his two spies. He made sure everyone knew Rahab and all those in her house would remain safe. They were brought from the fire, destruction, and ruin to a protected place.

We can only speculate about what happened to Rahab’s family. Joshua 6:23b says, “... and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel.” We know Rahab left her old life behind, accepted the God of Israel as her own, and married an Israelite man named Salmon. She became Boaz’s mother and King David’s great-great-grandmother (Matthew 1:5). She went from living in Jericho to liv ing outside the Israelite’s camp to living among them

(Joshua 6:25b). What a journey—from failure to fam ily! Everything about Rahab’s life changed when she chose the Israelites and their God.

I grew up in a home where my parents lived out their Christianity faithfully, and I attended a church that taught the truths of the Bible even to small children. When I was eight years old, I gave my heart to Jesus and accepted His forgiveness and salvation from the punishment of my sin. I don’t think God delivered me from my wicked past so much as He delivered me from a possible wicked future. That is just as amazing as what He did for Rahab. I have never walked a mile in Rahab’s shoes, but there are still important lessons I can learn from her.

Be Decisive Like Rahab

Application:

Rahab made a “wholehearted, 100%, no-turningback choice.” Describe a time in your life when you made a decision as decisive as Rahab’s. What were the consequences of that decision?

We should be decisive like Rahab. God had been preparing her heart for the night she met the spies. He gave her the desire and the opportunity; now, she had to decide. She made a wholehearted, 100%, noturning-back choice. She was willing to do whatever it took to change her life completely. She gave up her home, profession, past, and future. I do not think Rahab ever regretted her choice. I don’t imagine that her life after the fall of Jericho was easy. Some Israelites may have mistreated her because she was a Canaanite and a former prostitute. She possibly faced gossip and cold shoulders. It may have taken years for her to feel genuinely accepted. (How welcoming and helpful are we to women who have left a life of sin to become followers of Christ?) Yet, she stuck with her decision to serve Jehovah.

Be Influential Like Rahab

We should be influential like Rahab. She persuaded her entire family to stay with her in her house to await deliverance, and because of her, they survived. They listened and heeded her instructions. Contrast that to the lack of influence Lot had over his family or that we sometimes have over ours. Rahab also was a powerful influence over her son, Boaz. In the book of Ruth, we see him as a considerate, kind, thoughtful man who treated Ruth and Naomi with great respect and honor. He must have learned that from his mother! Rahab’s influence even extends down through the centuries. Her name is mentioned three times in the New Testament. Matthew 1:5 lists her name in the lineage of

Jesus, and she is an example of faith in both Hebrews and James. Rahab never dreamed she would be favor ably remembered throughout the ages and also be an ancestor of the Messiah!

We usually do not know how far and wide our influ ence extends. Through those we teach, mentor, rear, love, and minister, we can impact the lives of countless people. Wouldn’t it be lovely in Heaven to hear from people we helped become a Christian or mature in their faith by something we said or did and didn’t even know?

Application:

How were the following women of the Bible influential:

Esther, Lois, Deborah, Naomi.

Name some ways we can be influential.

Productive Like Rahab

We should have faith that produces amazing works. Rahab’s faith produced works. She welcomed and protected the spies; aided in their escape; gave them good advice; hung the scarlet cord; waited inside her house. These outward acts demonstrated her inner faith (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25-26). Great faith can produce great works that please God and live on long after we are gone. Because she had faith, she believed the promises of the spies that she would be delivered from the destruction of Jericho. Our faith helps us cling to God’s promises, even when asked to wait, when we don’t understand what is going on, or when our situation seems hopeless. If Rahab could have confidence in the pledge of the spies, we can have confidence in the promises of God. Those promises never disappoint or fail.

Application:

Discuss how Matthew 5:13-16 applies.

Name some things our influence can produce.

Learn Like Rahab

Lastly, we can learn from Rahab that God’s grace knows no boundaries. Romans 5:20b reminds us that, “... where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” God loves the woman involved in hideous sins just as much as He loves the woman who teaches Sunday School and sings in the choir. He holds out His rescuing hand to any woman who is addicted to drugs, who cheated on her husband, or who aborted a child. Sadly, we often turn our backs on these women, considering them hopeless cases. Rahab’s story reminds us there are women in our sphere of influence just waiting for us to show them our God of hope, power, love, compassion, and grace Who can help them overcome any failure.

Margie Patton and her husband, Wayne, worked for 40 years in Christian education in St. Croix, USVI, Georgia, Illinois, California, Tennessee, and Hawaii. Since retiring a few years ago, they have homeschooled several of their nine grandchildren, and Margie currently has 25 private piano students. They live in Farmington, Missouri, and serve the Lord at Leadington Free Will Baptist Church.

Infertility

BY Jessica Musetti

My entire life I knew I wanted to be a mom, and after all, isn’t that my God-designed role?

I knew I would be an excellent Christian mom, too—one who took her babies to Sunday School, read the Bible and talked about Jesus with them, involved them in church youth competitions, cuddled them every day, and nurtured them to adulthood where they would then duplicate the process. I was sure of my destiny.

When I got married, we were a little older, so Mark and I didn’t want to wait very long to have children. After trying a couple of years, it became apparent that something wasn’t allowing us to get pregnant. After several different treatments, we tried fertility medication. I started that medication in May, and by August the drug had caused an ovarian cyst. Because of the growth of the cyst, surgery was scheduled for January.

I remember the conversations with the doctor as if they were yesterday. The phrase that is still sharp in my mind is, “We will try to save your ovary and fallopian tube.” Waking up in recovery, I asked the inevitable question. Knowing my fate, the recovery nurse looked at me with pity. “I’m sorry, sweetie, they had to take the ovary and tube.” Tears started flowing, yet this was not the worst part. A week later I went for a follow-up appointment with my doctor. As I nervously waited, I could hear the conversation in the next room. The doctor informed the couple they were having twins. With pure despair this mother exclaimed, “Twins! We can’t have twins! We already have two at home! Why is this happening??!!” How dare she react in this way to blessing? My news was upsetting also: the doctor told me I was healing nicely but I would likely never conceive.

As the years passed and my issues with ovarian cysts and Endometriosis worsened, my bitterness and anger with

God and His people increased. You see, the church should be a refuge for us, but in this situation, the church failed me—God’s people’s words nearly de stroyed me.

Infertility is an ugly and broken journey, and I want people to realize that. Believers need to come along side brothers and sisters in Christ who are traveling this devastating journey and refrain from offering advice on something they don’t understand.

Set aside expectations regarding how quickly a couple should bounce back from an infertility diagnosis. Infertility is deep loss and needs to be grieved. I still grieve over the children I will never have. Don’t assume that just because God is all powerful, He will provide a child. Many times, our church family said to us, “You will be next. Our God is able.” This is not a helpful or encouraging statement. Psalms 91:2 talks about trust, “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” Trust in God must be present whether He gives you a child or not. A better response is, “I’m sorry you’re hurting. I love you, and I’m praying for you.”

As Christians, we must remember if it takes a little longer to conceive, we are not dealing with infertility. One of the most hurtful statements we heard was, “I know exactly what you’re going through; it took us two years to get pregnant.” Sometimes in our haste to comfort, we injure. There are days I fight Satan not to allow anger and bitterness to creep into my heart. On these days I find strength and comfort in this verse, “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morn ing; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee (Psalms 143:8).

Believers also need to understand that adoption is not for everyone. Someone who has prayed for a bio logical child their entire life may not be in a place to hear, “Why don’t you just adopt?” In these moments, be an encouragement to your friend or loved one. I often felt I was condemned for not having children of my own, and was judged for not being in a place to

adopt. This Scripture passage encouraged me, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

For many years I worked in children’s ministry and taught Sunday School, and often heard, “You are a second mom to so many others; God has a reason.” Please know—I get it. My friends were speaking out of love. But remember, we sometimes need to comfort with out our words. One of my favorite verses says,

I am in a better place now. God has dealt with my bitterness and has provided for me. I have two beautiful nieces and a nephew whom I love more than words can express. God has also allowed us to be an integral part of the lives of several surrogate nieces and nephews. Yet there are still days I feel like a complete failure as a Christian, wife, child, sister, aunt, and church-family member, because I will never have the ability to give a child back to God or my family. These emotions are painful.

Infertility has so much brokenness in it. If you are walking this journey, you are loved by me. Psalm 139:14 has been a constant help to me, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: mar vellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” If you know of a friend or loved one trav eling this awful, broken road, be conscious of your words to them as you come alongside them with your presence and your love.

Mark and Jessica Mussetti live in Columbus, Ohio, and have been married for 16 years. They have one fur baby, a cat named Aries. They worship at Heritage Free Will Baptist and love serving the Lord together loving and mentoring youth.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

If you know of a friend or loved one traveling this awful, broken road, be conscious of your words to them as you come alongside them with your presence and your love.

Fake To Real: The Woman Caught In Adultery

BY Carol Reid

This may be one of those PG-13 scenes in the Scripture—not one you teach in children’s church! But in our real life, everyday experiences of the Christian faith, we need to see how Jesus inter acted with a sinner. We need to see it because we also rub shoulders with sinners, and we often see one in the mirror.

This truth from Scripture is not fake news. It is real, solid bedrock to show us Jesus and His great love for sinners.

The Scripture Text: Fake or Real?

Read John 8:1–11. Imagine you are observing this scene in the Scriptures. List the emotions you might feel.

The first question is whether this passage, John 8:1–11, is inspired. It is not included in the earliest Greek manuscripts of John; in other early copies, it shifts around in placement. So, is this story real? Did it happen this way?

God’s Word has been carefully, painstakingly pre served, and copied carefully by scribes. Not one word of His promises has failed. His truth endures forever and never fades. If these verses were not

Study

inspired, they would have at least been included for our instruction. They fit with the nature of Jesus and the rest of Scripture. The God who protects His Word would not allow falsehood to infiltrate it. We can as sume that New Testament scribes inserted the story after verifying it.

Why would it be inserted in later manuscripts but not the oldest ones? You can probably imagine dozens of scenarios that allow for that—and none of them assume falsehood. Was the story so oft-re peated and well-loved that the scribes later began to incorporate it? Any reason to include it points to the wisdom of Jesus in battling the sinful pride of those who opposed Him. Let’s assume that the story is accurate and that God provided it for us.

The Dilemma: Fake or Real?

In Leviticus 20:10, what does the Law describe as the punishment for committing adultery?

In Malachi 3:5, what does the Lord say to those who committed adultery? Judging by the other offenses on the list, how serious is it to break the marriage bond?

What does the New Testament state about the conse

quences for those who commit adultery? (See Gala tians 5:19–21; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10.)

Jesus was teaching at the synagogue, surrounded by a large crowd. They were moving deeply into His message when suddenly the sermon was interrupted by another lesson—one even more memorable. In came a group of religious professionals, the scribes and Pharisees, dragging a woman.

Without question, she was guilty. No one could have said otherwise. She was taken in the very act of com mitting adultery. She could have lost her life. Jesus could have upheld the letter of the Old Testament Law and thrown the first stone.

In the Law, the punishment for breaking the mar riage vow was severe. This was no late-night-television punch line. This was no whisper-to-your-neigh bor gossip. This was a public offense with the death penalty.

Here’s the truth: God is still concerned about the sanctity of marriage. He still intends it to be a lifetime covenant between a man and a woman. He instituted it as the closest of all earthly bonds, the two becoming one, the foundational unit of society for the protection of our families. In His Word, God still maintains that marriage and the marriage relation ship are holy (Hebrews 13:4). The seventh of the Ten Commandments is the prohibition against adultery. Adultery is still offensive to Him, and God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). We are not godly when we min imize its damage. In the books we read and the media we watch, we must be cautious of our tolerance of it. We must be ever on guard for our own temptation and rationalization. But thankfully, the Lord of grace intervened with mercy and forgiveness for this wom an—and for all who will turn to Him.

Their Motives: Fake or Real?

How does John 8:6 describe the motives of the scribes and Pharisees?

Who are some of the others who tried to trip Jesus up with difficult questions or situations? What did they

ask Him?

Mark 12:13–17

Mark 12:18–27

Mark 12:28–31

The scribes and Pharisees hauled her in—not out of concern for the Old Testament Law or protection for the institution of marriage. They thought Jesus would look like an enemy of the Law or a friend of sinners; either would be offensive to the Jewish pub

lic. In their effort to trick Jesus, this woman was used as an expendable pawn. They set her up and subject ed her to public ridicule.

Consider for a moment a further injustice. Where was the man? Not to be indelicate, but if she were caught in the act of adultery, should not two people

have been brought before Jesus? We see only the woman—perhaps clutching the bedsheets around herself, all eyes on her, with no dignity or pretense left. Had she been further crushed by a lover who deserted her to this public scrutiny and accusation?

And to you, stranded on the judgment block of public opinion, caught in your sins with no way to crawl out, feeling the shame and guilt, and deserving pun ishment, Jesus knows the motives of your accusers, too. He warns you to stop your ears to the lies of the

Writing in the Dirt: Fake or Real?

Instead of a verbal response, what did Jesus do? (John 8:6, 8).

What did He tell the scribes and Pharisees (verse 7)?

This is the only time the Scripture records Jesus writ ing. What do you think He wrote?

Here are some theories from legend and speculation:

• He doodled in the dirt to patiently buy time and deescalate the situation. Stooping put Him in a humble position—not challenging or confronting the accusers, but probably on the same level as the accused woman.

• He wrote Scripture verses or maxims about judg ment.

• He wrote what He would speak next to the accusers as sort of a court record.

• He wrote the names of the accusers or listed their sins.

No matter what, His patient answer helped to turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1). How can delaying a response help you practice self-control and answer wisely?

(Side study: Daniel 5:1–31 records another time God wrote. Describe the scene and interpretation of His handwriting.)

Devil and others who would accuse you. Put off your shame and hear His words of grace. He is on your side. You are forgiven. You are chosen. You are precious to Him.

You’d think it was all about her—and her sin. But Jesus took her story and turned it upside down. Now it became about her accusers and their sin. He con fronted their false pride and their better-than-thou attitudes. The One, Who was without sin, looked into their hearts, and wrote in the dirt, and one by one, the accusers left. No one could have anticipated how the Teacher would respond to their accusations, but this was certainly not the response the scribes and Pharisees desired.

Take heed when you are confronting the faults of others. It is natural for us to see ourselves in a better light, to look down our noses, or to feel above ‘their’

temptations. Galatians 6:1 requires a spirit of meek ness, careful thoughtfulness, and a goal of reconciliation and restoration. We must see the sins of others from a position of humility.

What Jesus Told Her—Fake or Real?

If you are a child of God, you can find your name in His journal. What do these verses tell you about what He has written about you?

Psalm 139:16–18

Colossians 2:13–14

Revelation 21:27

We don’t even know her name. Her sin describes her. “That woman, you know. The one who . . .” Her back story is unknown to us. We have no idea what brought her to the adulterous encounter.

She spoke only one short sentence, but she addressed Jesus as Lord. She understood His compassionate words, making no excuses for her sin. In repentance, facing Jesus was much easier than facing the reli gious leaders who brought her to Him.

Yes, He is a righteous, holy God who is completely without sin. But He is also a compassionate God who does not want to sentence us as we deserve. He offers forgiveness and peace, providing a way for this wom an and for us to be justified and counted as righteous. Instead of condemnation, He offers salvation (John 3:17). Instead of Hell, He offers Heaven. Instead of tumult, He offers peace.

It doesn’t matter if the scribes and Pharisees or you or anyone else knew her name—Jesus knew it. And with her repentance, He wrote her name in His Book of Life.

Possibility for Change: Real or Fake?

Jesus pronounced others as free from sin after He confronted them. Who were the people in these examples?

Luke 5:28

Luke

Luke 8:48

Mark 5:34

In John 5:14, Jesus’ instructions to the blind man He had healed were the same as to the woman in John 8. What did He tell the man who was healed?

Because of God’s grace and forgiveness, we can put our sinful past behind us. What promise does Ro mans 8:1 give us?

Some have said that shame serves a helpful purpose, but it is not meant to be a permanent condition. Jesus did not minimize the woman’s sin or condone her actions; He required repentance and change. But He gave her hope that her future would not be like her past. Her past would not determine her future. He gave her forgiveness and instructed her to sin no more.

Whatever others see, Jesus sees your heart. He can see through self-righteous pride or self-condemning despair. He can see through judgmental accusations as well as depression and discouragement. His goal is not to punish you but to restore you.

Gently, lovingly, Jesus reaches out to every one of us to say, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” Sit with that truth for a moment. God’s mercy and grace do not give us what we deserve. Instead, we have a fresh start, a new beginning. His words welcome us to freedom from sin and judgment, res toration into His family, peace, and joy. You haven’t gone too far; you haven’t sunk too low; you haven’t messed up too much. Like the woman caught in adultery, He invites you to come to Him, then go and sin no more.

About the Writer: Carol Reid is the senior editor for FUSION Family and FUSION Next devotional magazines at Randall House Publications. She and her husband Garnett worship at The Donelson Fellowship (Nash ville, Tennessee) and have two great sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law, and five marvelous grandchildren.

A Dozen Lessons from a Ticket

BY Joy Corn

Until recently, if you had asked about my driving, I would have proudly touted my nearly flawless record. All that changed last summer when I fell headlong off my self-erected pedestal.

Lesson 1: Pride goes before a fall.

After we moved to a new home, trips to my most-frequented businesses were re-routed of necessity. One July morning, I opted for the shortest route home which put me on Bell Street. I was singing gospel songs with the radio when and thanking the Lord for His goodness when I saw blue lights flashing in my rearview mirror. A glance down at the speedometer revealed “43 mph.” Thinking the speed limit was 35, I took solace, and smiled as I handed him my license and registration. “I would appreciate your giving just a warning this time, officer,” I suggested in my most pleasant voice. “This would be my first ticket in nearly 37 years.” He explained he had no option but to write the ticket since the speed limit was 30 (not 35), and I was exceeding the limit by more than 10 mph. Neighbors had complained about speeders on Bell Street, and the police were responding by ticketing drivers regularly.

Before our move barely one month before, I had rarely ever even been on Bell Street. I didn’t like its curves and hills nor the slim shoulders. I had taken pains to avoid it in the past. I didn’t argue ignorance of the law. I didn’t argue that it was rare for me to be over the speed limit or that I had never had an auto accident. I didn’t argue that I was the backseat driver who kept my husband’s speed in check on a regular basis. None of those points seemed helpful or necessary. I decided I’d just take my punishment, pay the fine, and consider it my contribution to road repair in my county. After all, having not been ticketed before, I hadn’t contributed in the 20+ years I’d lived here. There was concrete evidence that my speed, though not excessive by objective standards, exceeded the limit for that street. I was guilty.

Lesson 2: All sin is sin.

I was surprised to learn that the cost of going 43 in a 30 mph zone was more than $200, but I opted not to go to traffic court and didn’t worry about the offense being on my driving record. After all, I reasoned, one little offense couldn’t make any big difference--my insurance rates were low, and the company would see this lapse in light of

“Sin costs more than you want to pay.”

my extended good driving record.

Lesson 3: Sin costs more than you want to pay.

Lesson 3.5: Pride goes before a fall (round 2) --uh, this lesson didn’t sink in quickly enough.

Fast forward three weeks. Following an extended illness, my husband was finally well enough for me to leave him to make a grocery run. As I left the house, my conscious thought process went like this: Don’t be gone long (husband still weak); shortcut saves time; stay aware of the speed limit and the speed ometer. From the moment I turned onto the narrow, dark road and realized there were no streetlights to help navigate the curves, I regretted my decision, but turning around was even more treacherous. The angst was compounded by a pickup truck following me too closely with “brights” glaring in my rearview mirror. I actively monitored my speedometer (“30 miles per hour, 30 miles per hour…”) and the curves, determined not to allow the driver behind to coax me into breaking the speed limit, all the while kicking myself for choosing Bell Street again.

Lesson 4: Steer clear of previous pitfalls.

Five anxious minutes later, I negotiated a hard right turn, wishing for night-vision goggles but was re lieved to see my tailgating follower had turned off. My consolation was short-lived, however, because the next sight in my rearview mirror was the blue lights of a police car. He couldn’t be stopping me! I was doing just 29 mph! Where had that officer been when I needed him to cite my tailgater!

Lesson 5: They comparing themselves among themselves are not wise.

I again retrieved my license and registration and presented them when he got to the car window. He said, “I stopped you because you ran that stop sign back there.” STOP SIGN! I never saw a stop sign!

Rather than say so, I countered with, “Are you sure?” (I might go a few miles over the limit on occasion, but I ALWAYS stop at stop signs. I don’t even do the roll-through bit I observe others do.) His response: “I’m positive.”

Lesson 6: Assuming only one weakness can blind you to others.

Then, his next question caught me off-guard. “How long since your last moving violation?” I wanted to say, “I have had only two tickets TOTAL in more than 40 years of driving.” But that didn’t answer the ques tion. I answered truthfully, “I got a speeding ticket on this very street just three weeks ago. I was going 43.” He wasn’t impressed with the meagerness of the crime nor was he compassionate. He wrote the ticket.

Lesson 7: He who keeps the whole law, yet stumbles in one point, is guilty of all.

This time I decided to go to traffic court. There was no tangible evidence of the crime. It was my word against his that I had run the stop sign. (I reflected that the “hard right turn” must have been the point of the offense, but I was watching the speedometer, the shoulder of the road, and my tailgater so the traffic sign never came into my field of vision). I could honestly say I did not ignore a stop sign--I didn’t even SEE a stop sign. I rehearsed my spiel for court. My husband’s illness, my good driving record, my conscientious observance of the 30-miles- per-hour limit on the night in question, the guy behind me obviously doing wrong—I had plenty to counter the officer’s accusation.

Lesson 8: Excuses don’t excuse.

I asked advice from those who had experience in traf fic court. How much would I be allowed to say? They told me my only words had to be “not guilty.” There was no “guilty, but …” plea. There wasn’t an “I sure didn’t mean to” plea or a “the other guy’s headlights created the problem” plea. I couldn’t use the “dark,

winding road” plea, the “right turn on red” plea. I de termined that when I got to court I would plead “not guilty.” If the officer was there to testify, that plea would buy the opportunity to rebut his testimony.

Lesson 9: Everyone needs grace.

Not one of the 15 or so traffic offenders on the docket before me pled “not guilty,” but none of them had a stop sign offense. I did hear the judge ask over and over, “When was your last moving violation?” If the offender had a good driving record, the judge would then offer traffic school and the opportunity to keep the offense from their record.

Finally my name was called. I hesitated only brief ly, but managed to plead, “Not guilty.” The judge seemed surprised, but humored with the opportunity to do something out of the routine. We established that the officer was not present in the courtroom, but that didn’t mean a dismissal of the charge. I had two options: wait to see if the officer came later that day or reschedule for the next traffic court, to which the officer would be summoned.

There’s no escaping judgment.

Lesson 10: There’s no escaping judgment.

Suddenly my real options became clear. I could no longer negotiate my defense as a driver with a 37-year clear record. The officer had no reason to falsely accuse me, and the judge had every reason to believe the officer’s word over the word of a guilty recent-speeder. I asked, “Are those my only options?”

The judge said, “Yes,” but I opted for a third. “I’ll just pay the ticket,” I said.

There was one other factor that might have had bearing. You see, the judge and I had history. His daughter had been my good friend in elementary school. He knew me. He thought well of my parents, my hus band, and of me, but I had no current relationship with him. I knew in the context of the courtroom, he had to be objective and deal with my offense like he did everyone else’s.

Lesson 11: Keep your relationship with the Judge current. Negotiate before you get to court.

As I left the courtroom, the Lord impressed on me the value of the lesson I’d just witnessed. The consequences I faced due to my guilt reminded me that all our righteousness is as filthy rags. My only defense before the righteous Judge of the universe will be the blood of Jesus. I can no more claim “Not guilty” in God’s court than I could here. Like my good driving record, past compliance does not outweigh falling short. The Walt Mills song lyrics kept serenading me: “If I’m called to give an answer at Heaven’s judgment seat, then let the blood of Calvary speak for me. May it count me down as righteous where no righteousness has been, shield ing me from wrath and judgment as it covers all my sin. There’s no work that I’ve accomplished, nor my goodness I would plead. Just let the blood of Calvary speak for me!”

Lesson 12: Thank the Lord for His mercy and grace!

Joy Corn teaches middle school math at Pleasant View Christian School in Middle Tennessee. Her family includes her husband Randy, two sons, two daughter-in-law, and three wonderful grandchildren. She and Randy attend Ashland City Free Will Baptist Church, and she remains active in the Bethlehem Free Will Baptist Women Active for Christ group. (Excerpts reprinted from Jun, Jul, Aug 2018 Fusion, page 22-25).

2022 Convention Highlights

Celebration Service

Over 100 people gathered for this year’s WNAC Celebra tion Service. After two well-known and loved hymns, Amy Johnson introduced the featured speaker, missionary to Japan, Shannon Little.

Shannon shared about the life of Joseph; how he continued to do the next right thing, no matter what issues arose in his life. She told the story of how God inter vened in her life plan to lead her to the mission field in Japan. She admitted that, initially, COVID-19 felt like a pesky interruption, but God used it as divine intervention to bring her home to care for her mother and friends when her nursing skills were most needed. Shannon explained that circumstances and situations might arise in our lives that feel like interruptions, but those moments might be the situations God uses to further our work for Him. “We have an ant’s-eye perspective,” she noted. “God has the Hubble telescope view of our lives, and He also has an electron microscope.” He loves us and knows us, and desire to know us. She concluded by asking listeners what they would do with interruptions that occur in life.

Phyllis York shared the 2022 Director’s Report and introduced the new director, Ruth McDonald. Amy Johnson, board c¬hair, honored Pam Hackett for serving on the board of WNAC for 13 years.

Laughter and Latté

This year’s Laughter and Latté started with ice cream and, of course, lattés. After everyone enjoyed their fill of ice cream and coffee, the evening contin

ued with laughter. WNAC board members presented a short skit that creatively and comically introduced Ruth McDonald as the new WNAC director.

After the laughter died, attendees enjoyed a slideshow tracing Ruth McDonald’s life and minis try in Ja pan. Ruth’s daughter, Katie Speer, also serv ing as a missionary to Japan, created the presenta tion.

After Ruth’s brief intro duction, Tracy Payne hosted a trivia time, asking questions

about the future Director. As everyone soon learned, Ruth prefers ribs to steak, sandals to sneakers, and many other fun and amusing facts.

The evening ended with prayer after Ruth shared the story of her journey to the new position over recent years. “I feel well pre pared because of everyone’s prayers,” she concluded. “We are going out with joy and being led forth with peace.”

Business

In her reports to the General Board and business session of the National Associ ation of Free Will Baptists, Phyllis York,

interim director of WNAC, acknowledged 2021 as a year of transition. After former director Elizabeth Hodges retired in Au gust 2021, Phyllis began serving as interim director until Ruth McDonald returns from Japan to start her new role.

The department’s income is down due to recent changes to membership structure and fees. Considering this, York encour aged individuals, groups, churches, and associations to support WNAC through The Giving Tree, a campaign of monthly organizational support.

Free Will Baptist women gave $425,000 in 2021 to missions and ministry causes. Over the last year, more than $21,000 in home goods, gift cards, and finances were donated to the Provision Closet. Schol arships were awarded to Daniel Delgado (Miley Scholarship), Word of Life School, Bangladesh (Pursell Scholarship), Leslie Ar rendondo (Southeastern), Heather Thom as (Welch), and Michelle Sharp (Randall University) received the Wisehart Scholar ships.

York celebrated the first in-person event since the pandemic when 115 attendees from ten states gathered in West Virgin ia for the Flourish Conference hosted by ladies from Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. She pointed listeners to new Web

and social media resources, including on line Treasure Bible studies, e-blasts, and resources for young women at shinefwb. com.

At the conclusion of her report, York honored Pam Hackett for many years of board service, thanked women for the opportu nity to serve as interim director, and gave Ruth McDonald an opportunity to greet delegates.

Ruth thanked Phyllis for her interim work, thanked the WNAC Board for the honor of serving as the new director, and ex pressed excitement about “changing hats” as she steps into the new position. How ever, she also explained that the missions of IM and WNAC overlap and complement one another in fulfilling the Great Com mission and making disciples. “This new role is not a departure from my calling,” Ruth concluded. “It is an extension of my calling.” McDonald thanked Free Will Baptist women for their faithfulness and staunch support of missions and ex pressed her desire to give back, coming alongside Free Will Baptist women everywhere to disciple the next generation of young women.

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When God Intervenes: From Ordinary to Extraordinary

BY Diana Bryant

I recently attended a retreat for ministers’ wives, and our speaker introduced an interesting concept. She asked us to write out a timeline of our lives starting as early as we could remember. We were to write down any significant event, person, or situation we could recall. It turned out to be a fas cinating exercise! As we traveled back in our minds, certain memories triggered others, and the relationship between specific events became evident. People who had influenced our lives stood out, events were recalled, and it didn’t take long to recognize how incredible God’s intervention in our lives had been. There were “aha!” moments as we realized that “if this hadn’t happened, I never would have met this person, or ended up in this situation, or learned a particular lesson.” What also became evident as we pondered the course of our life was how little of it had been up to us. God often intervened and directed our paths, but we didn’t realize it. We thought we were going about our business, never realizing God had placed people in our path or orchestrated events with a purpose in mind for His plans and glory. Psalm 47:23 tells us that

the Lord orders the steps of a good man. Frequently, we think that God intervening in our lives is evidenced by amazing transformations, miraculous healings, or incredible instances of supplied needs at just the right moment. While that is sometimes true, as we remi nisced and pondered, it became apparent that God’s intervention in our lives had been quiet and occurred during everyday events. We hadn’t always recognized His intervention.

Think of the women we know in Scripture who are shining examples of God intervening and changing their lives. Look how God intervened in Hannah’s life and supplied the longing of her heart—a child. Ruth found herself in a less than desirable circumstance. But God orchestrated events such that people and situations resulted in a life change for her and all of us throughout eternity. Remember the woman with the issue of blood and how God changed her life? Mary Magdalene experienced God’s miraculous work in her, and she was never the same again. Think of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Whatever plans Mary may have had for her life, we can be confident God’s fulfilled plan for

her was nothing like she had ever imagined. There are other women for whom the intervention of God is nothing short of miraculous, but perhaps not as dramatic as some of these. Those women are us. Me, and you! How do we recognize God’s working in our everyday lives, and more importantly, how do we get on board and follow Him when He does?

Proverbs 3:5-6

We’re told to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not lean on our understanding. Sometimes our circum stances are not what we would choose, or a desire of our heart is not being fulfilled. We must realize and live contentedly with the fact that God is aware of our circumstances and longings but He sees far past what we can see and has a plan for our life far beyond what we may realize at the time. Leaning not on our own understanding involves trusting God and His understanding of our situation. We must be willing to live obediently and believe He knows best.

Can you think of a time in your life when you didn’t get what you wanted but later realized that had you gotten your way, it would not have turned out for the best?

sponse to a question of our heart. He cannot call to our remembrance things we have not planted in our hearts and minds. It has to be there to be recalled! If we do our part, we have the assurance that He will do His part. He is faithful!

Psalm 5:8

David asks God in this Psalm to lead him and help him to know the right path to travel. Discernment is necessary to recognize God’s provision and leading when it is difficult to see and may not align with our thoughts and plans. How do we do that? By spending time in the Word! Not just reading to check something off a list but with a desire to learn and understand, to know the heart of God better, and to store the profound truths of God in our hearts. We develop discernment by asking the Holy Spirit to remind us of the principles we’ve found in God’s Word at the appropriate time or in re

Job 42:2

What an encouraging and comforting truth. God can do anything. Anything! God can accomplish His plan even when we don’t see a way. And when we under stand that He loves us, we can assume His plan is for our best. This verse also states the eternal fact: No plan of His can be defeated, thwarted, or conquered. He will prevail! God will put us in places, place us in circum stances, and introduce us to people to accomplish His plan, whether we recognize it at the time or not. He is there working and leading in ways we may or may not understand. Think of the life of a child. His parents are arranging care, meeting needs, and organizing cir cumstances for them with no awareness on their part. Parents don’t ask their children if they want to go to the doctor; they make the arrangements and take the required action. Does God do no less? We must real ize that there are no accidents or coincidences in the believer’s life. God is always in control, and He always knows best.

Try to remember a time when an unfortunate circumstance brought about a help-

ful lesson, introduced you to a person who

When was the last time you made a specific effort to memorize a portion of Scripture? Start small if you need to, but if you haven’t done so recently, pick a passage and get started.

became an essential part of your life, or caused a completely different situation that turned out for your benefit.

Romans 8:28

What is your definition of all things? In many discussions of God working all things together for our good, we tend to think of bad things that turned out to have some unexpected benefit. But God says He works ALL things together for our good. That means bad things, good things, and even mundane, everyday things. To realize how God intervenes in our lives, we must recognize the things over which we have no control. You had no say in selecting your parents, but those two people shaped your life in many ways. God chose them for you. Think of the personality that is you. Consider the innate abilities you possess. Can you sing? Are you good at math? Do you have a creative niche for hospitality? Or can you sink a basketball almost every time? We may hone those abilities with practice and hard work, but those abilities were given to us by God; they are not of our own doing. He intervened in our lives, gave us the capabilities He wanted us to have, and gave us opportunities to use them for His glory. When we understand that He intervenes and gives us our opportunities, places us where He wants us, and gives us our circle of influence, it’s very freeing. We are relieved of the temptation to manipulate people or circumstances to get what we think is best. Our work is trusting God, discerning His leading, and watching as He provides what we need in every area of our life. He provides places, people, circumstances, and opportunities “above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). Finally, consider the most extravagant intervention of God in our lives. In our sinful state, He interposed the precious blood of His Son to provide a way of salvation, changing the course of our lives forever and providing a sure eternity. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that it was nothing we did so we cannot boast. It’s all by Him and about Him. Be thankful and mindful of His intervention in your life, recognize it, and give thanks. To God be the glory!

About the Writer: Married to Randy Bryant, Diana has been a pastor’s wife for 42 years. She has been active in WNAC at all levels, and currently chairs the Florida Women’s Ministries Board. Diana has a heart for women’s ministry, especially ministry wives and young moms.

THIRTY SOMETHINGS

BY SARAH SARGENT

Think about the last time you were in the middle of a conversation, and thought, “I told you so.” You had warned this friend of a particular potential outcome, and this conversation just confirmed you were right. Or you suggest ed to an overly dramatic teenager that maybe they were reading too much into a situation, and they announce they had made up with their friends. It’s possible you did more than think, “I told you so,” maybe you said it! Have you ever wondered if God thinks, “I told you so,” with us? Often as I am studying for an article or speech, I love when my medical, social, and cultural research validates the Word of God.

I have grown up in church my entire life. “Being thankful” has been the topic of plenty of Sunday School lessons, youth group messages, women’s devotions, and sermons that I have heard. I have even participated in the social media thankfulness posts around November. But God gave me a big “I told you so” moment when I was studying for our April Flourish event. I was asked to participate by sitting on the “Grace” panel and I shared about showing grace online. With all the unfortunate negativity associated with social media, I wanted to highlight Christians’ opportunity to show the world something different. Here is a little of what I shared with them.

Have you ever heard of ‘Lifestyle Gratitude’? This is taking time every day to write down or to say three things for which you are grateful—it can be big or small. By doing this simple task consistently, you will begin to see the world around you differently. When we are openly grateful for the good things in our lives, it causes us to be happy when something good happens in others’ lives. We won’t feel like they are winning at a competition we seem to be losing. Studies show that practicing ‘lifestyle gratitude’ has led to higher levels of optimism, enthusiasm, and motivation.

God inspired many authors in the Bible to write about gratitude. He did so because He knows the value of it. Only when you finally give thanks, will you have joy. Why? Because being joyful doesn’t make you grateful, being grateful makes you joyful. Sisters, we have so much for which we can be thankful! Let’s practice gratitude generously. This daily exercise will not only make us feel better; it will also show the glory of our God to all we meet.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV).

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17 ESV).

“The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!” (Psalm 50:23 ESV)

BEHIND THE SCENES

Tuesdays are the busiest days for my family. It starts with me (Lauren) leaving the house around 8:45 to walk 10 minutes to the bus stop, then ride for 10 minutes as I head for our women’s Bible study at the Alpedrete church. For our Bible study, we alternate what we do every other week—reading through a chapter of our Bible study book one week, and the next, we spend the time in prayer. Our group num bers about 5-7. These Tuesday morning studies offer a good language learning opportunity for me, and a great time to build relationships with friends from the church.

After Bible study, I walk back to the bus stop to head home. While Emilia is napping, I prepare for Tues day night English classes, and Sam preps for dinner. Since arriving here in Spain, these English classes have become some of my favorite ministry moments as these classes are held in the city we hope to plant a new church. My first English class is at 6:30. I walk to the bus stop at 5:50 and ride 30 minutes to our target area. A few ladies join me at a little bakery for the first class. We mix English and Spanish conversation for this lesson because they want to help me with my Spanish. These ladies have become some of the sweetest friends. They helped me learn the vocab-

ulary for doctor appointments, helped me translate my birth plan, and encouraged me when I was scared about delivering a baby in a foreign country. Even though our lesson is only scheduled for an hour, we typically stay close to an hour and a half.

For the English class that follows (meeting from 8:00-9:00), I move to a restaurant beside the bak ery. Sam and Emilia meet us there. Anthony and Lea Edgmon lead this class of 10-15 people, and we help them. The class is always filled with laughter and learning. After we are finished, we either ride the bus, or the Edgmons drive us home. Now, it is about 9:45, so we eat dinner, and begin bedtime routines. Each day brings new opportunities to build relation ships and find community while we integrate into our new life here in Spain.

In November, 2021 Sam and Lauren Riggs began their missions internship in Madrid, Spain. They work with Anthony and Lea Edgmon in the Alpedrete church. Sam and Lauren are hoping to plant a new church in a nearby city that has no evangelical presence. Pray for them as they complete their 2-year internship, then seek God’s will for what is next in their life.

Learn more: FWBGO.com/Riggs

VISION

BY PHYLLIS YORK

The Goodness of God

All my life, I have experienced the goodness of God. I experienced it in my family. My Dad’s mom and sister were instrumental in my becoming a Christian at age 11. They lived with Christ in control of their lives. Over and over, I watched their morning routine. They always took time to read their Bibles after breakfast. I can still see Mamaw in her recliner and Jenny on the couch. When they finished, they would get on their knees and pray aloud, thanking God for His blessings, honoring Him for Who He is, and petitioning Him for their sons and brothers. I even heard my own name in their prayers.

Although my dad didn’t follow Christ until his 80s, he instilled in me a good work ethic, taught me to be kind to all people, to stand for what was right, and to be faithful to church. Maybe he didn’t go himself, but when mom was sick and couldn’t attend, he made sure I made it to church right on time.

And all my life You have been faithful; And all my life You have been so, so good.

I have also enjoyed the goodness of God in my marriage. My husband loves the Lord with his whole being. He works hard to provide. He is honest and unwavering in his beliefs, compassionate, and loves people. He is my best friend. Don’t get me wrong. Our marriage isn’t perfect, and we’ve had some rough times, but our bond is stronger now than it ever has been. After 43 years of marriage, we have three children who love and serve the Lord with their spouses, three grandboys growing in discipline and instruction of the Lord, and two granddaughters on the way.

With every breath that I am able, oh, I will sing of the goodness of God! When I reflect on the times my family faced difficulty—standing for biblical truth, surviving cancer, the loss of friends and loved ones, and all the other challenges of life—the lyrics of The Goodness of God echo over and over in my mind.

I love Your voice.

You have led me through the fire.

In the darkest night

You are close like no other. I’ve known You as a Father, I’ve known You as a Friend,

And I have lived in the goodness of God. What about you? Are you living in the goodness of God? If you are, take a moment to reflect on His goodness. (You may even want to sing!)

Lyrics taken from “The Goodness of God.” Jenn Johnson, Bethel Music.

About the Colunnist:

Phyllis York is the interim director of WNAC and lives in Smyr na, Tennessee, with her husband

Tim. She has been a leader in Free Will Baptist Women’s Ministries since 1992. In 2010, Phyllis began working for WNAC as administrative assistant to Director Elizabeth Hodges. Spending time with her three grandboys is her favorite thing to do.

“For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:5